This cheesy Cajun Alfredo chicken is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender seared chicken, creamy Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine pasta. With three melty cheeses blended into the sauce, every bite is rich, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this dish because it takes classic Alfredo pasta to the next level with bold Cajun seasoning and plenty of gooey cheese. The chicken is juicy and perfectly seasoned, while the sauce is creamy and indulgent without being overly heavy. I also enjoy how this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for both weeknights and special dinners.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- I cook the linguine pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. I drain and set aside.
- I season the chicken slices with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. I transfer the chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute.
- I pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. I whisk in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses until smooth and creamy.
- I stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, adjusting the flavor with extra salt or pepper as needed.
- I add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- I top with the seared chicken slices and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in around 35 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a fun twist. When I want extra heat, I add crushed red pepper flakes or more Cajun seasoning. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. I also like adding sautéed bell peppers or spinach for more veggies and color.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving for too long since the cheese sauce can separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, I often make this with fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni—any pasta that holds the creamy sauce works well.
Is Cajun Alfredo very spicy?
It has a little kick, but I adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning depending on my taste.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance and refrigerate it. When reheating, I add a splash of cream to bring back the silky texture.
What cheeses work best for this recipe?
I like Parmesan for sharpness, mozzarella for stretchiness, and cheddar for a rich flavor, but I can swap in provolone or gouda for variation.
Can I bake this dish?
Yes, I sometimes transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Conclusion
I find cheesy Cajun Alfredo chicken to be the perfect comfort meal—rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors. It’s a restaurant-quality dish I can make easily at home, and I love how versatile it is for different proteins and spice levels. This pasta never fails to satisfy my craving for something indulgent and delicious.
PrintCheesy Cajun Alfredo Chicken
Cheesy Cajun Alfredo Chicken is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender seared chicken, creamy Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce, and linguine. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with three types of melty cheese for a bold, satisfying bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken slices with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Top with seared chicken slices and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use shrimp or sausage as an alternative to chicken.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for more veggies.
- Bake the assembled pasta with extra cheese for a bubbly finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 175mg