Welcome, food lovers! If you’re searching for a flavorful and creamy pasta dish with a hint of spice, then this Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a must-try! This recipe is an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re a fan of Cajun seasoning, creamy pasta dishes, or lemon-infused chicken, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious meal!
Introduction
The Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo brings together the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning and the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce. This dish is a modern take on classic Italian cuisine with a Southern twist, making it an irresistible dinner option. Whether you’re craving something comforting or hosting a special meal, this dish promises to deliver.
You can easily create this meal in just 30 minutes, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights. If you’re a fan of Cajun flavors or creamy pasta dishes, this fusion of Southern comfort with Italian sophistication will definitely become a staple in your recipe collection.
Check out these amazing dessert pairings for your Alfredo dish.
Ingredients
To make this flavorful Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of linguine or fettuccini
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 6 chicken cutlets or 1 pound tenders
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (Use homemade seasoning for a fresher taste. Recipe for homemade Cajun seasoning below)
- 1½ cups + 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- If you have gluten intolerance, use gluten-free pasta.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo – Step by Step
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo:
Step1: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, 2 tablespoons of parmesan, and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Add lemon juice, then set the chicken aside.
Step3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Using the same skillet, melt 2 more tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Stir in 1½ cups of parmesan into the sauce, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss the pasta in the sauce for about 2 minutes until it’s well coated and creamy.
Step5: Serve
- Serve the pasta topped with sliced chicken and garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy this Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo right away!
Pro Tip: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best results!
Helpful Tips
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh lemon juice and garlic for a more vibrant flavor.
- Add Veggies: You can add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to make this dish even more wholesome.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like your food.
For another savory dish with Cajun seasoning, check out this delicious Cajun-spiced chicken recipe.
Cooking Tips
To achieve the best flavor and texture for this dish, keep these tips in mind:
- Searing the Chicken: Make sure to get a nice sear on the chicken to lock in the flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Don’t rush the sauce! Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to thicken and develop richer flavors.
- Use a Large Skillet: Cooking pasta in a large skillet allows for better tossing, ensuring each noodle is well-coated with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- A fresh Caesar salad to balance out the richness.
- A glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo contains approximately:
- Calories: 910 kcal
- Fats: 54g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Proteins: 43g
Nutritional info for Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo may vary depending on substitutions or additional ingredients.
Storage and Leftovers
- To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
- Freezing: You can freeze the pasta and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A1: Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted vegetables.
Q2: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A2: Yes, simply use gluten-free fettuccine or any other gluten-free pasta.
Q3: How can I make this dish lighter?
A3: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter for a lighter version.
Q4: What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
A4: Add a little more chicken broth or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Related Recipes
Explore these recipes for more exciting flavors:
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making this Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo. It’s a dish that combines the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and zesty lemon flavors. Try it tonight and let us know how it turned out! Have you tried any variations? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. Bon Appétit!
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Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Description
Welcome, food lovers! If you’re searching for a flavorful and creamy pasta dish with a hint of spice, then this Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a must-try! This recipe is an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re a fan of Cajun seasoning, creamy pasta dishes, or lemon-infused chicken, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of linguine or fettuccini
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 6 chicken cutlets or 1 pound tenders
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (Use homemade seasoning for a fresher taste. Recipe for homemade Cajun seasoning below)
- 1½ cups + 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- If you have gluten intolerance, use gluten-free pasta.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, 2 tablespoons of parmesan, and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Add lemon juice, then set the chicken aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Using the same skillet, melt 2 more tablespoons of butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Stir in 1½ cups of parmesan into the sauce, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss the pasta in the sauce for about 2 minutes until it’s well coated and creamy.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the pasta topped with sliced chicken and garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy this Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo right away!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Freshness Matters: Use fresh lemon juice and garlic for a more vibrant flavor.
- Add Veggies: You can add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to make this dish even more wholesome.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like your food.
