Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: A Zesty Twist on a Classic Favorite

Craving a creamy, flavorful pasta dish with a little kick? Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect combination of zesty lemon, bold Cajun seasoning, and rich Alfredo sauce. This dish brings a delicious twist to the traditional fettuccine alfredo, offering the perfect balance of creamy texture and savory heat.

This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, family meal, or even a special occasion. With the creamy Alfredo sauce complementing the smoky Cajun chicken and fresh lemon zest, this dish is sure to become a favorite. For a similar creamy, flavorful pasta dish, check out this Alfredo Sauce Recipe or explore these Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipes.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe | Creamy & Flavorful Pasta Dish

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is a zesty, creamy pasta dish that combines perfectly seasoned, Cajun-spiced chicken with a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. The bold flavors of lemon pepper and Cajun seasoning add a spicy, tangy kick to the creamy pasta, creating an unforgettable dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish delivers both comfort and a burst of flavor in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cajun Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk (or 2% milk)
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for added flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra lemon flavor)

For the Fettuccine:

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta
• Salt, for boiling water

Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Fettuccine:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions (about 9-11 minutes), until al dente.
• Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Prepare the Cajun Chicken:

• While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme (if using), and a pinch of salt.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes.
• Slice the chicken into thin strips once it has rested.

Make the Alfredo Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
• Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
• Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest (if using), and stir until well combined.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Serve:

• Divide the creamy fettuccine Alfredo among plates and top with sliced Cajun chicken.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• You can make the dish spicier by adding more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use a lighter Alfredo sauce alternative.
• You can also use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version of this dish.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American / Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the dish)
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Instructions

1. Cook the fettuccine: Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and lemon pepper seasoning. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
3. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
4. Prepare the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Add the cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
7. Add the chicken: Gently toss the sliced Cajun chicken into the pasta and sauce, making sure it’s well-coated.
8. Serve and garnish: Serve the Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo in bowls. Garnish with lemon zest and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Advanced Techniques

For those looking to take their Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo to the next level, here are a few advanced techniques:

1. Marinate the Chicken

To infuse the chicken with even more flavor, marinate it in a mixture of Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking. This will tenderize the meat and allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.

2. Use Freshly Made Alfredo Sauce

For an even creamier Alfredo sauce, make it from scratch using butter, heavy cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan. Avoid store-bought versions for the richest flavor.

3. Add Vegetables

Incorporate vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the dish to add more texture and nutrition. Sauté them along with the garlic for additional flavor.

4. Spice it Up

If you love extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce. You can also mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Leftovers of this Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo can be enjoyed later. Here’s how to store and maintain the dish:

Storage

• Refrigeration: Let the dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Although creamy pasta dishes don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze the chicken and Alfredo sauce separately for up to 1-2 months. When reheating, the sauce may separate slightly, but stirring it will help bring it back together.

Reheating Tips

• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Reheat for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop Method: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is easily customizable to suit various dietary needs. Here are some options:

1. Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the fettuccine pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure that the Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free as well.

2. Dairy-Free

To make the dish dairy-free, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream, and a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute. Use dairy-free butter for the sauce and cooking.

3. Low-Carb or Keto

For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, substitute the fettuccine pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. Additionally, ensure that the Cajun seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain hidden sugars or carbs.

4. Spicy Version

If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add chili flakes to the sauce. You can also serve the dish with hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes! You can easily substitute the chicken for shrimp. Season the shrimp with Cajun and lemon pepper seasoning, then sauté them in the same skillet until they’re pink and cooked through. Add them to the Alfredo sauce just like you would with the chicken.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the Alfredo sauce can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to use, reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to thin it out if necessary.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute the fettuccine with any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape.

How can I make the dish spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also toss in some finely chopped jalapeños or serve with hot sauce.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a comforting yet flavorful pasta experience. The creamy Alfredo sauce, paired with zesty lemon and smoky Cajun-spiced chicken, creates a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or celebrating a special occasion, this pasta will definitely be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious twist on classic fettuccine Alfredo!