Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta is a rich, bold, and comforting one-pan recipe that's ready in 20 minutes. Packed with juicy chicken, bell peppers, and a velvety Cajun-spiced cream sauce, it's the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- 2 cups milk whole or 2%
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces bowtie farfalle pasta, cooked and drained
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup mushrooms
- 1/2 cup zucchini sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until chicken is golden and fully cooked through, and peppers are tender.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the chicken and peppers, stirring to coat evenly.
- Pour in milk and add cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until fully coated in sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook for another minute until melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun spice.
- If using optional vegetables, fold them in and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting.
- Adjust the spice level by starting with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and increasing as desired.
- To make ahead, store sauce and pasta separately and combine when reheating.
- Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Can be made vegetarian by substituting chicken with mushrooms or tofu.