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
Scale
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!
Notes
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.
