✅️ Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
This dish combines the rich creaminess of Alfredo pasta with the bold flavors of Cajun-spiced chicken, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and plenty of Parmesan. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dinner for pasta lovers.
Ingredients:
1 pound linguine or fettuccine
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
6 chicken cutlets or 1 pound chicken tenders
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons salted butter
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1 – Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2 – Season the chicken
In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, and a generous pinch of black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3 – Sear the chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the heat, drizzle with lemon juice, and transfer the chicken to a plate. Slice when slightly cooled.
Step 4 – Make the Alfredo sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the sauce cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in 1 ½ cups of Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 5 – Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing well to coat it in the Alfredo sauce. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
Step 6 – Serve
Plate the creamy pasta and top with the sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
✨ A restaurant-quality pasta dish with bold Cajun spice, a zesty lemon kick, and silky Alfredo creaminess—all made at home in under an hour.
