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Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

A creamy and zesty fettuccine Alfredo dish with Cajun-seasoned chicken, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz Fettuccine Pasta Can be substituted with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Chicken
  • 2 large Boneless Chicken Breasts Thighs can be used for richer flavor or shrimp for variation.
Seasonings
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning Store-bought or homemade.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for balancing flavors.
Cooking Essentials
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing chicken.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor.
Alfredo Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream For a lighter version, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Freshly grated melts better.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Brightens the dish.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Preparing Chicken
  1. While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken breasts dry and rub them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest briefly, and then slice.
Making Alfredo Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the drained fettuccine to the sauce, tossing gently until the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  2. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, combining it with the creamy pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serving
  1. Serve your Lemon Pepper Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Notes

For added spice, consider diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.