Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli Recipe – A Creamy, Spicy Comfort Classic

This Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli is a dish that brings bold Southern spice to classic Italian comfort. It features juicy, Cajun-seasoned chicken tossed with tender broccoli florets and creamy Alfredo sauce over a bed of fettuccine. The result? A luxurious balance of heat, richness, and freshness in every bite. I once made this dish using smoked Cajun seasoning instead of regular—it added a deep, smoky flavor that made the sauce absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers that restaurant-quality taste without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love creamy pasta with a little kick, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The spicy Cajun chicken gives the Alfredo sauce a flavorful edge, while the broccoli adds color, crunch, and a hint of earthiness. It’s perfectly balanced—rich without being heavy, spicy without overpowering. Best of all, it comes together in under 45 minutes using simple ingredients you likely already have. This recipe brings comfort, flavor, and freshness all in one satisfying bowl.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fettuccine Pasta: The perfect base for creamy sauces, fettuccine holds the Alfredo sauce beautifully and gives each bite a luxurious texture.

Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, it soaks up the Cajun seasoning for bold, juicy flavor. Slice thinly so it cooks evenly.

Broccoli Florets: Add color, texture, and a healthy balance to the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Fresh or frozen both work well.

Butter: Creates the rich foundation of the Alfredo sauce and adds a silky texture.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a deep, aromatic flavor.

Heavy Cream: The heart of the sauce—rich, smooth, and perfect for melting cheese into a luscious consistency.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds that signature nutty flavor and creamy body that makes Alfredo irresistible.

Cajun Seasoning: A bold blend of spices that brings warmth and just the right amount of heat. Adjust to your spice preference.

Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection without drying it out.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors throughout the dish.

Parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that completes the presentation.

Directions

1. Cook the fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the same pot. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Season the chicken on both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.
5. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to scrape up any flavorful bits from the pan.
7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust the consistency with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
8. Add the cooked fettuccine and broccoli to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
9. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together until heated through.
10. Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning before serving warm.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate. This dish can also be portioned and frozen for up to 2 months, though fresh is always best.

Variations and Customizations

Shrimp Cajun Alfredo

Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood spin with the same spicy creaminess.

Spicy Lovers’ Edition

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Veggie-Packed Version

Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added color and nutrition.

Lightened-Up Option

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole wheat pasta for a lighter meal.

Cheesy Upgrade

Mix in a handful of mozzarella or cream cheese for a thicker, extra-cheesy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, penne, linguine, or rigatoni also work well with this creamy sauce.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

You can, but homemade sauce offers the freshest flavor and creamier texture.

What type of Cajun seasoning should I use?

Any good-quality blend works. Choose one with balanced heat—avoid overly salty mixes.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Use half the Cajun seasoning and skip additional cayenne for a milder version.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Add more Parmesan to thicken it slightly.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, cook and store the components separately, then combine before serving for best texture.

Can I roast the broccoli instead?

Absolutely—roasted broccoli adds a smoky depth that complements the Cajun spices perfectly.

What sides go best with this dish?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus pair beautifully.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.

How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?

Warm slowly and stir in a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to silky perfection.

Conclusion

This Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli is comfort food with a bold, flavorful twist. The combination of spicy Cajun chicken, tender pasta, creamy sauce, and vibrant broccoli creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is impressive. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Each bite offers the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and fresh—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make any dinner feel special.

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