Cajun Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Cajun chicken broccoli Alfredo combines juicy spice-rubbed chicken breast with crisp-tender broccoli and penne pasta all enveloped in a rich creamy cheese sauce. Fresh garlic heavy cream and mozzarella create a velvety base while a touch of Cajun seasoning offers subtle heat and bold Southern flair. This dish comes together quickly in a single pan making it a goto for weeknight dinners that need a little extra comfort. Toss everything until the sauce hugs every bite and finish with extra cheese or black pepper for a perfect hearty meal.

I first added Cajun spice to Alfredo on a whim and the whole family was amazed at how perfectly the flavors blended. Now this is our goto meal when we want something that feels both familiar and a little adventurous.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breast: Choose plump firm chicken and slice into even pieces so it cooks evenly
• Penne pasta or similar short pasta: holds the sauce beautifully making each bite satisfying
• Broccoli florets: Use fresh broccoli for a nice crunch or lightly steam to keep the bright green color
• Cajun seasoning: The bold flavor comes here so check your blend for a good balance of paprika garlic and cayenne
• Heavy cream and whole milk: Full fat cream makes the sauce rich while milk adds a silky finish
• Grated mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better giving a smooth sauce
• Butter and olive oil: The mix brings richness and a hint of savory flavor when sautéing chicken
• Fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth so do not substitute with powdered
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Good seasoning enhances all the flavors so season at every step

Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Pat the chicken dry then season generously with salt pepper and Cajun seasoning. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the spices to lock onto the meat. This step builds the flavor foundation

Boil the Pasta and Prepare the Broccoli:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta just until al dente which means it has a tiny bit of bite left. Drain and set aside. Steam or lightly boil the broccoli until bright green and crisp tender then drain and set aside. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and not mushy

Sauté the Chicken:

Heat butter and olive oil together in a wide pan over medium high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook without moving too much for about five minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate to avoid overcooking. Searing seals the juices

Start the Alfredo Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add minced garlic stirring constantly for about one minute until fragrant but do not let it brown as it will turn bitter

Blend in Cream and Milk:

Pour in the heavy cream scraping up any browned bits from the pan to infuse flavor. Slowly add the milk while stirring to keep the sauce silky and prevent scorching

Add the Cheese:

When the cream mixture is just near simmering scatter in the grated cheese. Stir slowly letting it melt completely. This creates a thick velvety sauce

Mix Everything Together:

Return the cooked pasta chicken and broccoli to the pan. Gently toss everything in the hot sauce making sure all pieces are coated thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with extra Cajun or salt

Serve Fresh and Hot:

Dish out immediately while the sauce is creamy. Finish with a sprinkle of extra cheese black pepper or fresh chopped parsley for brightness

I love seeing my kids sneak the first cheesy bites straight from the pan while the cheese is still stringy. This sauce is my secret weapon for getting everyone to happily eat their broccoli without complaints.

Storage Tips

Store leftover Cajun chicken broccoli Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will stay delicious for up to three days. When reheating warm gently on low heat adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture and avoid the sauce separating. Freezing is not recommended as cream sauces tend to become grainy when thawed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the chicken for turkey breast or boneless thighs for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian option double the broccoli and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. Use half and half instead of heavy cream and part skim mozzarella for a lighter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this spicy cheesy pasta with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal. Sprinkle shredded parmesan and fresh parsley on top for special occasions. Roasted cherry tomatoes tossed on top bring juicy bursts of sweetness.

This Cajun chicken broccoli Alfredo is a quick satisfying dinner that balances creamy comfort with a spicy kick. It is perfect for weeknights and sure to become a family favorite.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this dish?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be sliced or shredded and gently warmed in the sauce along with the pasta and broccoli to ensure everything is heated through.

→ What's the best way to keep broccoli bright green and crisp?

Steam or briefly blanch broccoli until just tender, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and preserve its vibrant color before adding it to the dish.

→ How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Increase Cajun seasoning to taste or add a pinch of red pepper flakes during sautéing for an extra spicy kick.

→ What cheeses work well in the sauce besides mozzarella?

Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or a combination of mozzarella with sharp cheddar can add great creaminess and flavor.

→ Can I substitute the pasta shape used here?

Penne is ideal for holding the sauce, but rotini, fusilli, or fettuccine are also excellent alternatives that pair well with the creamy sauce.