Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a delightful twist on the classic Alfredo pasta, infusing it with the bold and zesty flavors of Cajun cuisine. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. The addition of Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick that elevates the traditional Alfredo to a whole new level. Whether you are a fan of Italian cuisine or Southern flavors, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients and Preparation
To prepare this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
1 lb. penne pasta
3 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
3 tsp. minced garlic
1/3 cup white cooking wine
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is completely cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in boiling water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, strain the pasta completely.
Steam the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still crisp. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white cooking wine and cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Whisk in the heavy whipping cream and continue to cook until the sauce thickens. Add salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture and toss to combine thoroughly.
Serve: Serve the dish immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about this Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo recipe is its versatility. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to customize the dish to your liking:
Protein Options
Shrimp: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp in the same way as the chicken, ensuring they are pink and opaque.
Sausage: Use Cajun-style sausage instead of chicken for a heartier and more flavorful option.
Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Pasta Choices
Fettuccine: Replace penne with fettuccine for a more traditional Alfredo experience.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Vegetables
Spinach: Add fresh spinach leaves to the sauce just before combining everything. The spinach will wilt perfectly in the hot sauce.
Peas: Incorporate peas for a pop of color and sweetness.
Sauce Variations
Spicier: Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to lighten the sauce. Note that the sauce will be less creamy.
Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Asiago for a unique flavor profile.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
Seasoning: Be generous with the Cajun seasoning for a robust flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Cooking Chicken: Ensure the chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.
Sauce Consistency: If the Alfredo sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of milk or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creamy texture.
Nutritional Information
For those conscious about their nutritional intake, here is a breakdown per serving (assuming eight servings):
- Calories: 651
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 186mg
- Sodium: 1318mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 49g
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the creamy comfort of Alfredo sauce with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you stick to the classic preparation or experiment with different proteins, vegetables, and cheeses, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the process of making this flavorful meal and delight in the compliments from family and friends as they savor every bite.
Cajun Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- ⅓ cup white cooking wine
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté until the chicken is cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook 1 lb penne pasta in boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Steam 3 cups broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Add 3 tsp minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in ⅓ cup white cooking wine and cook until reduced by half.
- Whisk in 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken.
- Pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture and toss to combine thoroughly.
- Serve immediately while hot and creamy, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
