One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo - This mouthwatering dish features tender chicken breast seasoned to perfection with a homemade blend of bold Cajun spices, nestled into a lighter creamy Alfredo-coated fettuccine.

Crafted in a single pot, this recipe offers the ultimate convenience, say goodbye to multiple dishes and pans while still enjoying a delicious dinner that will leave your family and friends begging for seconds.

Calories in Cajun Chicken Alfredo

These delicious one pan Cajun Chicken Alfredo serves 4 and is 549 calories per serving.

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 500+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

Ingredients Needed:

to prepare this yummy recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Cajun Seasoning: I use my own blend of spices for this to ensure the best taste (see below)
2. Chicken Breast: These are flattened with a meat tenderizer to ensure even cooking, you can either use 2 large chicken breast, butterflied in half to make 4 chicken breasts, or use 4 small chicken breast - total weight you want is around 700g
3. Low Calorie Spray - Use your preferred choice of low calorie spray, I prefer olive oil or avocado sprays without any added emulsifiers.
4. Garlic: fresh garlic minced, but lazy or jarred mince garlic is fine also
5. Stock: For the stock, chicken or vegetable varieties complement the other ingredients best.
6. Milk Choice: I prefer semi-skimmed milk, though whole milk works well too. Avoid skimmed milk, as it tends to be too watery and won't result in the desired creamy sauce.
7. Fettucine Pasta - I typically go for fettucine or tagliatelle in this recipe, but feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.
8. Parmesan - use freshly grated parmesan to ensure it melts properly into the sauce.
9. Low Calorie Spray - Use your preferred choice of low calorie spray, I prefer olive oil or avocado sprays without any added emulsifiers.
10. Fresh parsley - it's the perfect finishing touch for the dish. You can skip it if you'd like, but it adds a delightful and healthy touch of green to the overall presentation
11. Salt and Pepper - These basic yet essential flavour enhancers are key for elevating the taste of your dishes. No food will ever be bland when these are used to season to taste.

Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.

See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

I always prepare my own Cajun seasoning, as we've come to appreciate the precise measurements and spice blend for that perfect flavour.

Cajun Seasoning Mix - enough for a meal for 4

• 1 tablespoons of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of oregano
• ½ teaspoon of dried thyme leaves
• ¼-½ teaspoon of cayenne (depending on your spice level)

In this recipe, I make just enough for the dish, but if you're looking to create a larger batch, feel free to multiply everything by 8 or 10 for a greater quantity.

When seasoning a dish with this homemade mix, I suggest using about 1-2 tablespoons for a serving size of 4. You'll discover the ideal taste for you within that range.

It's worth noting that I don't include salt in the seasoning mix. I prefer to season with salt and pepper separately, so keep that in mind.

Choosing the Perfect Pan for One-Pot Recipes

For the best results in one-pot recipes, selecting the right pan is crucial. Opt for a large circumference flat-bottomed deep frying pan with a lid if possible. This choice offers several advantages: it prevents overcrowding of ingredients, allowing for even heat distribution, and helps ensure everything cooks uniformly. The lid is especially beneficial as it traps steam and moisture, aiding in the simmering and braising process while preventing food from drying out.

Additionally, consider pans made of materials like stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminium for their excellent heat conductivity, which minimizes the risk of hot spots and guarantees consistent cooking. A non-stick coating can be advantageous for recipes with sticky ingredients or sauces and helps to prevent food from sticking to the bottom. Heat-resistant handles are also recommended for easy handling, especially when moving the pan in and out of the oven.

Sides for Cajun Chicken Alfredo

If you're looking for some sides for this Cajun Chicken Alfredo, consider pairing it with delightful side dishes that complement the bold flavors of this classic dish. Here are some mouthwatering side options to enhance your culinary experience.

1. Fresh and Crunchy Mixed Salad: Kick off your meal with a vibrant mixed salad that brings a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of Cajun Chicken Alfredo. Combine crisp lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, and mini sliced peppers for a burst of color and texture. Toss in some shredded carrots for an added touch of sweetness and crunch.

2. Tenderstem Broccoli or Asparagus: For a nutritious and flavorful vegetable side, consider serving Cajun Chicken Alfredo alongside tenderstem broccoli or asparagus. Lightly seasoned and sautéed, these greens bring a tender yet crunchy bite to the table, offering a perfect balance to the creamy pasta dish.

3. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Elevate the flavour profile by roasting cherry tomatoes in a little olive oil with a good pinch of salt and black pepepr, until they burst with sweetness. The roasted tomatoes add a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the Alfredo sauce, creating a harmonious balance.

4.Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Transform Brussels sprouts into a delicious side by roasting them with olive oil, lemon juice and salt and pepper until they are golden.

Remember, the key is to a filling plate is balance your plate with some healthy vegetables which are nutrient dense and low in calories.Feel free to mix and match these sides to suit your preferences.

More One Pot Recipes

Love one pot recipes? Look no further! Here are some great choices below:

• One Pot Creamy Harissa Beef Pasta
• One Pot Coconut Chicken Curry Rice
• One Pot Savoury Rice
• One Pot Turkey Swedish Meatball Pasta
• One Pot Taco Beef Pasta
• One Pot Creamy Ham Mushroom Orzo
• One Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Rice

or if you would like more recipe ideas or sides to make with this recipe - head on over to the FULL RECIPE INDEX where you will find over 900 delicious recipes with calories and you can search by meal type, ingredients, course, diet and more.

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