If you’re craving a cozy bowl of pasta that packs some serious personality, One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is here to wake up your weeknight! Creamy, smoky, and loaded with bold Cajun flavor, this one-pan wonder brings the comfort of Italian alfredo and the sizzle of Louisiana spice together in a single, dreamy dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Magic: All the flavor—and hardly any dishes—since the pasta, protein, and sauce simmer together in a single pot.
- Bold Cajun Kick: Smoky sausage, tender chicken, and robust Cajun spices turn classic Alfredo into a memorable, southern-inspired comfort meal.
- Ultra Creamy—Never Heavy: The mix of heavy cream and parmesan creates a luscious sauce that coats every noodle, without weighing you down.
- Feeds a Crowd, Fast: With just 20 minutes on the clock, you’ll have a pasta feast that’s weeknight-easy but weekend-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is in the simplicity of its ingredients: each one brings its own contribution to the table, creating a final dish that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you’ll love each element):
- Olive Oil: Adds a rich base and helps brown the chicken and sausage for that irresistible flavor boost.
- Chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces): Keeps the dish protein-packed, juicy, and hearty with every forkful.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The essential seasoning duo, awakening all the flavors right from the start.
- Smoked Sausage (sliced on the diagonal): Brings a smoky, savory note that mingles perfectly with the creamy sauce. And those golden edges? Pure magic.
- Garlic (minced): A must for both depth and that irresistible aroma—don’t skimp!
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid for the pasta to soak up as it cooks, keeping things from getting too salty.
- Heavy Cream: Lends that signature silky Alfredo texture and rich mouthfeel—you’ll want to lick the spoon.
- Penne Pasta (uncooked): The ideal noodle for capturing sauce in every nook and cranny (but feel free to swap with your favorite short pasta).
- Cajun Seasoning: The heart and soul of that southern zing—dial up or down to your taste.
- Parmesan Cheese (freshly shredded): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, cheesy finish. Freshly shredded is non-negotiable for ultimate meltiness!
- Italian Parsley (for garnish): Brightens everything up with fresh flavor and pretty pops of green.
Variations
The real joy of One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is how easily you can make it your own! Whether you’re swapping proteins, lightening things up, or sneaking in veggies, this recipe is endlessly adaptable to your pantry and your palate.
- Make It Seafood: Trade the chicken for shrimp for a Cajun shrimp Alfredo experience—or toss in both for a surf-and-turf twist.
- Veggie Forward: Add bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for extra color and nutrition without turning it into a “health food.”
- Dairy Light: Sub half-and-half or evaporated milk for some of the cream to lighten things up while keeping it velvety.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just keep an eye on cooking time as it may need a minute or two less.
- Spice Levels: Love a fiery kick? Sprinkle in extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne, or keep it mild for the whole family.
How to Make One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Step 1: Sear the Chicken & Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high until shimmering, then add the chicken (already seasoned with salt and pepper). Sear until golden on all sides, then toss in the smoked sausage and cook until those slices have crispy edges and rich caramelized color. These first few minutes lay down the savory foundation you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 2: Build the Base with Garlic
Add the minced garlic straight to the pot and sauté for about two minutes—just until fragrant. Keep the heat gentle so the garlic softens and perfumes the whole pot without burning. At this point, your kitchen will smell downright irresistible.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
Carefully pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, uncooked penne, and Cajun seasoning. Give everything a thorough stir and bring to a lively simmer. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese & Parsley
When the pasta’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove from the heat. Gradually fold in the freshly shredded parmesan, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Right before serving, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a little extra Cajun seasoning for vibrant color and one last burst of flavor.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Maximize Sear: Don’t rush browning your chicken and sausage—let them caramelize deeply to boost flavor throughout the sauce.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese Is King: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly and can leave your sauce grainy, so grab that block of parmesan and your grater!
- Watch the Simmer: Keep your pot at a gentle bubble—not a rolling boil—so your cream doesn’t curdle and your sauce stays luscious.
- Season Last: Cajun seasoning blends can be salty, so always taste your finished dish before you sprinkle on extra seasoning at the end.
How to Serve One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle your One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo with vibrant chopped parsley and a dusting of extra parmesan. A pinch of Cajun seasoning over the top amps up the color and invites everyone in with irresistible spice and aroma.
Side Dishes
This rich, hearty pasta is practically a meal in itself, but you can’t go wrong with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, or a side of garlicky toasted bread to help scoop up all that luscious sauce. Steamed broccoli or sautéed asparagus add a fresh, crisp contrast too.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve family-style straight from the pot for a laid-back, cozy vibe, or swirl the pasta high into individual bowls and crown with juicy chicken pieces and golden sausage coins. Sprinkle generous parsley and pass a wedge of lemon for a restaurant-worthy table moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making those next-day lunches pretty irresistible!
Freezing
For best results, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers before adding the fresh parsley. Cream sauces can sometimes separate, but a gentle reheat brings it back together—you may want to add an extra splash of cream or broth after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat your One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo low and slow on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth or cream to liven up the sauce. Stir gently until hot, and finish with a bit of fresh parsley or parmesan to revive all those bold flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use a different pasta shape in One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo?
Absolutely! Penne is classic for catching creamy sauce, but rigatoni, rotini, or even spaghetti will work—just keep an eye on cook time and add a splash more broth if needed.
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Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Cajun seasoning blends vary in heat—just start with less and add more to taste at the end. For a milder dish, choose a low-sodium or mild Cajun blend, or mix your own with more herbs and less cayenne.
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What kind of sausage should I use?
Smoked andouille is traditional and brings deep, smoky flavor, but any fully cooked smoked sausage (beef, pork, or turkey) will taste fantastic in this One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo.
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Can I prep this One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo in advance?
You can! Sear the proteins and prep your ingredients ahead, then finish and simmer right before serving. Leftovers reheat well, but pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it sits, so add a splash of liquid when reheating.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy Sunday supper or a weeknight pick-me-up, One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo is pure dinnertime joy—bold, creamy, and totally foolproof. I hope you give it a try (and make it your own!). Let this be your next family favorite—you won’t be disappointed.
Print
One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together easily in just one pot. Tender chicken, smoked sausage, and pasta in a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce make for a delicious meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Alfredo:
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced on the diagonal
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 pound penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
- 4 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more as needed
- Italian parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Brown in olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add Sausage: Add sliced sausage and cook until lightly browned.
- Cook Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about two minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, dried pasta, and Cajun seasoning.
- Simmer: Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish: Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Add chopped parsley and more Cajun seasoning to taste.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
