If you love creamy, flavorful meals that come together quickly and with minimal cleanup, then this One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy chicken, smoky sausage, and perfectly cooked penne pasta swimming in a rich, spicy Alfredo sauce that packs a Cajun punch—all made in just one pot. It’s comfort food elevated with bold southern flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a satisfying meal without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy richness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the smoky depth of sausage and the bright kick of Cajun seasoning, every element contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken and sausage to build layers of flavor.
- 1 pound chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces: The tender protein star of the dish that soaks up all the spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds just the right amount of heat and depth.
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced on the diagonal: Brings a smoky, meaty richness that complements the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and pungent, garlic gives a fresh zing to the sauce.
- 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth: Acts as the cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with flavorful moisture.
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky Alfredo base that ties the whole dish together.
- 1 pound penne pasta, uncooked: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and delivering satisfying bites.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste: The bold spice blend that gives this dish its signature kick.
- 4 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more as needed: Adds savory umami and helps thicken the sauce.
- Italian parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish with fresh color and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Brown it well on all sides to lock in flavor and develop a beautiful golden crust. This step sets the savory foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Add the Sausage
Once your chicken is nicely browned, toss in the sliced smoked sausage. Cook it until it gets lightly browned and releases those delicious smoky aromas. The sausage adds a wonderful texture contrast and elevates the flavor profile to something truly special.
Step 3: Cook Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about two minutes. This brief cooking softens the garlic’s raw bite and allows its fragrant, aromatic qualities to permeate the pot, enriching every bite of your dish.
Step 4: Add Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the uncooked penne pasta along with the Cajun seasoning. Stir everything gently to combine. The pasta will cook right in the pot, soaking up the creamy broth and spicy Cajun flavors simultaneously.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. This simmering cooks the pasta perfectly while allowing the sauce to thicken and become irresistibly creamy.
Step 6: Finish
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt smoothly into the sauce, creating that rich Alfredo texture. Add chopped Italian parsley and taste; sprinkle a little more Cajun seasoning if you want to amp up the heat. This final step brings it all together into a dish bursting with flavor and creaminess.
How to Serve One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley on top adds a gorgeous pop of green and a refreshing herbal note. Consider adding an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for that final cheesy touch that melts beautifully over your bowl of goodness. You can also offer lemon wedges on the side to add a zesty brightness for those who enjoy a citrus finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to be the star of the meal, but if you want to round it out, crisp green salads with zingy vinaigrette, roasted or steamed vegetables, or even some buttery garlic bread make fantastic companions. The contrast of textures will balance the creamy richness of the Alfredo and keep your meal vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the pasta family-style directly in the pot or an elegant serving bowl with the garnish on top. Individual portions can be plated with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little visual and flavor excitement. If you’re feeling festive, add a side of pickled jalapeños or a few cherry tomatoes for bursts of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated portions even more satisfying! Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to preserve the creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions by placing them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. This dish freezes best without the fresh parsley garnish, which can be added after reheating. Frozen portions last up to 2 months—perfect for future busy nights when you need a quick, indulgent meal.
Reheating
For the best result, gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works in a pinch; just heat in short bursts and stir to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works beautifully because of its shape and texture, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe offers a balanced spice level that highlights the Cajun seasoning without overwhelming heat. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra Cajun seasoning or some crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious and creamy.
What can I use if I don’t have smoked sausage?
If smoked sausage isn’t available, you can use kielbasa, andouille, or chorizo for similar smoky flavors. Alternatively, hearty Italian sausage can work, though it’s not as smoky, so consider adding a dash of smoked paprika to compensate.
Is one pot really better than cooking everything separately?
Yes! Using one pot not only cuts down on cleanup but also melds the flavors beautifully since the pasta cooks in the same flavorful liquid as the chicken, sausage, and sauce. It’s an efficient, soulful way to cook that packs incredible taste with less effort.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that combines creamy richness, bold spices, and simple ingredients all in one pot. This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe brings the heat, comfort, and ease together in a way that makes every bite a joy. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just spoiling yourself, give this recipe a try—you might just find your newest favorite go-to meal.
Print
One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo combines tender chicken, smoky sausage, and creamy Alfredo sauce infused with bold Cajun spices for a quick and flavorful meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, this hearty pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights and serves the whole family with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced on the diagonal
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Italian parsley for garnish
Liquids
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound penne pasta, uncooked
- 4 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Brown the chicken pieces until they are golden on all sides but not completely cooked through.
- Add Sausage: Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot with the chicken. Cook them together until the sausage slices are lightly browned, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Cook Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook everything for about two minutes. This will release the garlic’s fragrance and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream, followed by the uncooked penne pasta. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce.
- Finish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add chopped Italian parsley and additional Cajun seasoning to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less thick.
- Freshly shredded Parmesan melts better than pre-grated cheese, enhancing the creaminess.
