Spicy and creamy copycat Chili’s Cajun Alfredo Chicken Pasta topped with juicy, seasoned chicken will have you staying in to whip up this dish in just 30 minutes!
Chicken and pasta Mondayyyyyyyyy. It’s a thing. As of now.
Have you tried the Cajun alfredo pasta from Chili’s?? So good. The end.
Okay not the end because I have more to say about this recipe. I recreated it using my favorite Cajun seasoning mix. I’ve been using it for the past couple of years and luuuuuuuv it. If you have a store-bought Cajun mix in your pantry already, that’s fine, use it! But if you don’t, then you should definitely whip up my quick and amazing homemade version. I included it in the notes of the recipe.
That seasoning makes a double appearance in this recipe which makes me one very happy Cajun-spice lovin’ gal. Not only is that juicy chicken seasoned with it, but it’s in the alfredo sauce. You can’t even really appreciate how incredible that is until you make this dish. But when you do….
HAPPY DANCE.
All of this happens in just 30 minutes so you have zero excuses not to have Cajun alfredo pasta on your menu this week. Do it! You’ll be so glad you did.
What people are saying about Chili’s Cajun Alfredo Chicken Pasta
“I made this tonight, and my husband and I loved it. He says he’d rather eat this than Chili’s!” – Megan
Chili’s Cajun Alfredo Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning - divided (see note)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 ½ cups milk - (I used fat free half and half)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tomato - diced (see note)
- cilantro - roughly chopped
Instructions
- Cook penne noodles according to package’s instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Slice chicken in half horizontally so that you have 4 thin pieces of chicken. Season chicken on both sides using 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning. Cook in a greased pan or skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- In a medium sauce pan melt butter over medium-high heat. Add flour and stir until mixture clumps together. Gradually whisk in milk until lumps dissolve and mixture is smooth. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and remaining cajun seasoning. Add cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Toss sauce with the cooked penne noodles. Slice chicken and place on top of pasta, then sprinkle with chopped tomatoes and cilantro.
I have avoided cream pasta sauces due to the high fat content and my lack of success with lower fat versions, so I was pleasantly surprised by how well this turned out. The Cajun spice was a nice twist on a classic. I’ll definitely make this again.
How many calories per serving?
Hi! I actually don’t have the nutrition stats on hand, but you can easily calculate them at http://www.myfitnesspal.com – it’s free and so easy to use!
I made this tonight, and my husband and I loved it. He says he’d rather eat this than Chili’s!
Hi Meaghan! That’s great to hear! I’m really glad you both enjoyed it. 🙂
Oh my gosh! This was soooo good! My family wolfed it down!
My favorite type of comments!! Super excited to hear that you and your family enjoyed this recipe, Christy!
Took longer than 30 minutes, but i did double the recipe. Chicken was delIcious, great Flavor! We saved two breasts out of the pasta to use over a garden salad for lunch tomorrow. Kids loved the noodles and sauce. Will definitely make Again, better than chilis!!
Thanks for your awesome feedback, Carina!
Hi Tiffany, i made this for supper tonight, and my husband & I loved it!!! Great flavour & kick. I used chicken thighs, seasoned with your cajun spice and pan fried. Definately going tomake again. Thank you 😄
So glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thanks for your feedback, Karen!