Name: 30-Minute Cajun Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta; 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced thinly; 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or frozen); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup whole milk; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Get ready for bold, creamy comfort food-this 30-Minute Cajun Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo is the ultimate weeknight hero! Juicy, Cajun-spiced chicken is seared to perfection, then tossed with tender broccoli and smothered in a luscious, garlicky Alfredo sauce. Everything comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Each mouthful hits you with a burst of smoky heat and silky, cheesy sauce-truly a match made in pasta heaven. It's intensely satisfying, yet surprisingly quick and easy to whip up, making it a lifesaver for busy nights.

Whether you're feeding the family or want to impress guests with minimal fuss, this easy Alfredo twist is a must-try. Inspired by classic restaurant favorites but tailored for home cooks, it's perfect for those nights when you crave a bit of spice and a LOT of comfort.

Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo served on a white plate with parsley garnish

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Dinner in 30 minutes-perfect for busy weeknights
Irresistibly creamy Alfredo sauce with a spicy Cajun kick
One-pan recipe-minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
Packed with protein and veggies for a balanced meal
Customizable heat level to suit your taste

Key Ingredients for 30-Minute Cajun Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cajun Seasoning

This spice blend is the heart of the dish, delivering a bold flavor and a bit of heat. You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own from paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and herbs. Opt for a mild Cajun blend if you prefer less spice, or turn up the heat with extra cayenne. In a pinch, try Creole seasoning, though it's usually a little saltier and more herb-forward.

Chicken Breast

Lean chicken breast cooks quickly and absorbs all the Cajun flavor beautifully. Slice it thinly for fast, even cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a tasty alternative if you like a juicier bite. For a vegetarian version, substitute sliced mushrooms or plant-based chicken strips.

Broccoli Florets

Broccoli adds color, nutrients, and a satisfying crunch to the pasta. Cut your florets small so they'll steam perfectly in the sauce. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli-just add frozen florets straight to the pan a few minutes before the pasta is done. Swap in asparagus or spinach for an easy twist.

Heavy Cream

This is what gives Alfredo its signature rich and silky texture. Use heavy cream or whipping cream for best results. If you want to lighten it up, try half-and-half, but your sauce will be a bit less thick. For a dairy-free option, use unflavored, unsweetened oat or cashew cream.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and brings a nutty, salty depth to the Alfredo sauce. Try to avoid pre-grated cheese, as it doesn't melt as well and can make the sauce grainy. Pecorino Romano is a great substitute if you want even bolder flavor, or use a vegan Parmesan for dairy-free diets.

30-Minute Cajun Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo cooking process

Instructions for 30-Minute Cajun Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, toss the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sauté for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don't let it burn!). Pour in the heavy cream and milk, whisking gently to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it begins to thicken.

Stir in Cheese and Seasonings

Add the Parmesan cheese to the skillet and whisk until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like it spicier, sprinkle in extra Cajun seasoning.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently with tongs until the chicken and veggies are coated with the creamy sauce and everything is heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk.

Serve and Garnish

Spoon the Cajun chicken and broccoli Alfredo into bowls or onto plates. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot!

Recipe Variations

Extra Veggie Power

Add even more vegetables! Sauté sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the chicken for a bigger nutrition boost and extra color in your Alfredo.

Shrimp Cajun Alfredo

Swap the chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning until pink and opaque, then set aside and follow the rest of the recipe.

Gluten-Free Option

Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free. The creamy sauce and flavors are just as fantastic!

Lightened-Up Alfredo

Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half and use just one tablespoon of butter for a lighter dish. It will still be creamy, just less rich.

Vegetarian-Friendly

Ditch the chicken and double up on broccoli, mushrooms, or even plant-based "chicken" strips. You'll keep all the Cajun flavor in a totally meatless meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy, spicy pasta with warm garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal. Top with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped parsley for fresh, vibrant flavor. A crisp white wine makes for the perfect companion!

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months-just note the sauce may separate a little when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions About 30-Minute Cajun Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Cajun Chicken Alfredo ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. For best texture, cook the pasta just before serving and toss everything together to reheat.

Q: How do I make this recipe less spicy?

A: Simply use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend. You can always add more spice individually at the table.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?

A: Half-and-half is a great substitute for a lighter sauce. For dairy-free, try unsweetened cashew or oat cream.

Ready for creamy, spicy comfort food in under 30 minutes? This 30-Minute Cajun Chicken And Broccoli Alfredo will surely become your new weeknight family favorite. If you try this recipe, let us know what you think by leaving a rating and a comment below-happy cooking!