Cheesy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Chicken combines tender linguine, four boldly seasoned chicken cutlets, and a rich three-cheese cream sauce. Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika keep the silky Alfredo from tasting flat, while fresh parsley adds a clean finish.
This recipe serves 4 in 35 minutes: allow 15 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. Keep the pasta slightly firm, rest the chicken before slicing, and melt the cheeses gently for the smoothest result.
Cheesy Cajun Alfredo Pasta Ingredients
For the pasta and chicken, use 1 pound linguine, 2 large chicken breasts weighing about 1½ pounds total, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus more only to taste. Slice each breast in half lengthwise to make exactly 4 thin cutlets.
For the sauce, measure 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 8 ounces cubed Velveeta, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes.
How to Make Cheesy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Chicken
- Cook the linguine in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and drizzle lightly with olive oil so the strands do not stick.
- Season all 4 thin chicken cutlets with the Cajun seasoning. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Cook the cutlets for 5 to 6 minutes per side, then rest and slice them.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Cook the minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream. Add the cubed Velveeta and stir until smooth, then melt in the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Season the sauce with smoked paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt. Toss in the linguine until evenly coated.
- Top with sliced chicken and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Serve hot.
For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.
Prepare Four Thin Chicken Cutlets
Cook Linguine Until Al Dente
Sear, Rest, and Slice the Chicken
Bloom Four Cloves of Garlic
Build the Velveeta Cream Base
Melt in Mozzarella and Parmesan
Season the Sauce Precisely
Toss, Top, and Serve
Storage and Gentle Reheating
Conclusion
Cook 1 pound linguine al dente. Make 4 thin cutlets from 2 large chicken breasts, season with 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and cook in olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter for 5 to 6 minutes per side. Rest and slice. Cook 4 garlic cloves in the remaining butter for 1 minute, then melt cream, Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan into a smooth sauce. Season, toss with pasta, and finish with chicken and parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How many chicken cutlets should I make?
Slice 2 large chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make exactly 4 thin cutlets.
- → How long does each cutlet cook?
Cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side, then rest before slicing.
- → Can I boil the Alfredo sauce?
Keep it gentle rather than boiling hard, which can cause the dairy and cheese to separate.
- → How many people does the recipe serve?
It serves 4 and takes about 35 minutes total.