Cajun Chicken Broccoli Alfredo (Printer-Friendly)
Spiced chicken, tender broccoli and penne pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce with subtle Cajun heat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 -
1 pound boneless chicken breast, sliced into even pieces
→ Pasta
02 -
12 ounces penne pasta
→ Vegetables
03 -
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
→ Dairy
04 -
1 cup heavy cream
05 -
½ cup whole milk
06 -
1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
07 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Oils & Seasonings
08 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
09 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
11 -
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
12 -
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Let rest for 2 minutes to allow spices to adhere.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, approximately 10 minutes. During the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets to blanch. Drain pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
03 -
Heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat in a wide skillet. Add seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and cook without disturbing for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir continuously for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, scraping browned bits from the pan, then slowly add milk while stirring to maintain a smooth texture.
05 -
When the cream mixture reaches a gentle simmer, gradually add grated mozzarella. Stir slowly until the cheese melts fully and the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
06 -
Return cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as desired.
07 -
Serve immediately while warm. Garnish with extra grated cheese, freshly ground black pepper, or chopped parsley if preferred.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For best results, shred cheese freshly to ensure a smooth sauce texture and prevent clumping.
02 -
Avoid high heat after adding cheese to prevent sauce separation.