One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo offers everything you want in a meal: creamy comfort, bold seasoning, and plenty of veggies. The Cajun-spiced chicken packs a punch, while the creamy Alfredo sauce and tender broccoli add richness and balance. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, making it easy to prepare and clean up afterward. Whether you’re craving something hearty and flavorful or looking for a dish that’s both filling and comforting, this recipe has you covered.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced into strips

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or any pasta of your choice)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

2. Cook the broccoli: In the same pot, add the broccoli florets. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant and slightly crispy. Remove and set aside with the chicken.

3. Sauté the garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Make the sauce: Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, add the pasta to the pot, stirring to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid.

5. Cook the pasta: Let the pasta cook in the broth and cream mixture for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. Add more broth if the sauce thickens too much.

6. Add the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and thicken it further. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

7. Combine the chicken and broccoli: Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back into the pot, stirring to combine and heat everything through.

8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Use shrimp instead of chicken: If you prefer seafood, substitute the chicken with shrimp for a Cajun shrimp Alfredo version.

• Make it spicier: If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more Cajun seasoning.

• Make it lighter: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for a lower-fat cheese.

• Use different pasta: You can substitute the fettuccine with penne, rigatoni, or another pasta shape you prefer.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They will add more flavor and juiciness to the dish.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before adding it to the dish.

How do I know when the pasta is done?

The pasta should be tender but still al dente, meaning it has a slight bite to it. Taste a piece to make sure it’s cooked to your liking before proceeding.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration. However, you can prepare the chicken, broccoli, and sauce ahead of time and assemble everything when ready to cook the pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Can I use a non-dairy alternative for the cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream, to make this dish dairy-free.

Can I freeze this dish?

This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce. However, you can freeze the chicken and broccoli mixture without the pasta for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and combine it with the thawed chicken and broccoli.

Can I add more heat to this dish?

Yes, you can add more Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to increase the spiciness of the dish.

Conclusion

One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a flavorful and creamy meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. The combination of Cajun-spiced chicken, tender broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce makes for a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, the one-pot method means minimal cleanup, making this an ideal weeknight dinner. Whether you’re craving something spicy, creamy, or just want a comforting meal, this dish is sure to please!