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Cajun "Chicken" Alfredo Pasta 🍝

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Get ready to amaze your taste buds with our delicious Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe. A tasty medley of Cajun-spiced "chicken," creamy alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta will leave you satisfied and wanting more. So, buckle up and join us on this delicious adventure as we combine the vibrant flavors of Cajun seasoning, creamy Alfredo sauce, and the perfect pasta texture from our beloved Kaizen Pasta. Trust us, once you try this dish, you'll be hooked!

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta in a brown bowl
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Preparation and cooking overview

To whip up this incredible dish, cook the Kaizen pasta according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, cook the Cajun-spiced Daring "Chicken" with sliced onion in a cast-iron skillet until it's irresistibly crispy. Next, toss in some fresh baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, spices, hot sauce, and Alfredo sauce, and gently fold in the cooked pasta. In less than 20 minutes, you'll have an irresistible pasta dish that'll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Chef's note

Take it up a notch by sautéing some jalapeños or serranos with the onion for a burst of fiery flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, throw in a few minced cloves of garlic or some sautéed mushrooms to create a delightful depth of taste.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🍝 Ingredients for this Cajun chicken alfredo pasta recipe

  • 1 package of Kaizen pasta
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 package Daring Cajun "Chicken"
  • ½ medium yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 3 large handfuls of fresh baby spinach
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • ½ jar Primal Kitchen Alfredo sauce
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan for topping dairy-free if plant-based, we use Violife
  • Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for topping

Ingredient substitutions

  • Cherry tomatoes: Use grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes instead.
  • Cajun seasoning: Create your flavorful Cajun seasoning by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
  • Primal Kitchen Alfredo sauce: Prepare a homemade Alfredo sauce using heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter.
  • Parmesan cheese: Choose a keto-friendly alternative like nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute.

Additional ingredients

You can add these ingredients to enhance the flavor of the dish:

  • Jalapeños or serranos: Add Jalapeños or serranos, sautéed with the onion, for an extra kick of spice.
  • Garlic: You can use minced garlic cloves to intensify the savory profile.
  • Mushroom: Add some sautéed mushrooms for added depth and texture.
  • Basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves, chopped, will give a touch of freshness.
  • Red peppers: You can add crushed red pepper flakes to add a fiery kick.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta in a white bowl

Cooking tools required

To make this cajun chicken pasta recipe you will need the following tools:

  • Large pot
  • Colander or strainer
  • Large cast-iron skillet or non-stick skillet
  • Kitchen knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Grater

Tools substitute options

  • Large pot: Use a deep, wide saucepan or even a Dutch oven to substitute a large pot.
  • Colander or strainer: If you don't have a colander or strainer, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to drain the cooked pasta.
  • Grater: Finely chop or crumble the Parmesan cheese using a sharp knife or fork if you don't have a grater.

How to make Cajun "Chicken" Alfredo Pasta: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing
  • Boiling

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients required for this recipe.
  2. Thinly slice the yellow onion.
  3. Wash and prepare the fresh baby spinach by removing any tough stems.
  4. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.
  5. Grate the Parmesan cheese for topping.

Cooking instructions

  1. Using a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Heat avocado oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the Cajun "Chicken" to the skillet and cook it according to the package instructions until it becomes crispy. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Next, add the fresh baby spinach and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, along with the cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach is wilted.
  4. Stir in the hot sauce and Primal Kitchen Alfredo sauce, making sure all the ingredients are well combined.
  5. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring that it is evenly coated with the sauce and ingredients in the skillet.
  6. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper on top.

Chef's pro tip

Here's a cool tip for making awesome pasta! To ensure your pasta doesn't get overcooked, just cook it al dente. All you have to do is follow the instructions on the package and test the pasta a couple of minutes before the recommended cooking time. When it's al dente, it will still have a slight firmness and give this dish the perfect texture.

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta in a brown bowl

A note on net carbs

While this recipe isn't technically keto, as it has roughly 15 net carbs per serving, we think there's a place for recipes on CIK that are more low-carb than keto. You could slash some carbs by forgoing the onion.

What to serve with Cajun chicken Alfredo?

  • Fresh green salad: It is an excellent side dish as it provides a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the main course.
  • Steamed or roasted low-carb vegetables: Steamed or roasted low-carb vegetables make for an excellent side dish and add vibrant colors.
  • Sautéed mushrooms with herbs: Sautéed mushrooms with herbs are an excellent side dish, bringing a savory and earthy flavor that complements the meal and adds a satisfying element.

How to make it healthier

  • Go for whole wheat or low-carb pasta alternatives to increase fiber content and reduce overall carbohydrate intake.
  • Choose a low-sodium Cajun seasoning or make your own blend using herbs and spices to control the sodium levels.
  • Swap regular Alfredo sauce for a homemade version using Greek yogurt or cashew cream to reduce saturated fat and increase protein.
  • Increase the vegetable content by adding more leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard, and experiment with other colorful fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
  • Reduce the amount of added cheese or choose a lower-fat option to reduce saturated fat and calorie intake.

Time-saving tips

  • Utilize pre-made products: Take advantage of pre-made sauces like Primal Kitchen Alfredo to cut down on cooking and prep time. Similarly, using pre-seasoned "chicken" like the Daring Cajun variety eliminates the need for additional seasoning steps.
  • Opt for pre-washed and pre-cut ingredients: Look for pre-washed spinach or pre-cut onions and cherry tomatoes at your grocery store. This eliminates the need for additional washing and chopping, saving you time and effort.
  • Use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot: If you have a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, cook the pasta in it. These appliances can significantly reduce cooking time, allowing you to have perfectly cooked pasta in a fraction of the time.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Chop vegetables in advance: If the recipe calls for sliced onions, diced tomatoes, or any other chopped vegetables, do the prep work ahead of time. Chop them and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until needed.
  • Pre-mix spices: If the recipe requires a combination of spices, you can pre-mix them in a small bowl or container. This way, when it's time to cook, you can add the pre-mixed spices to the dish.
  • Prepare sauce and toppings in advance: If you're using a homemade sauce or any additional toppings like grated Parmesan cheese, prepare them ahead of time.

Storage and reheating instructions

If you have some leftover Cajun "Chicken" Alfredo pasta, no worries! Follow these ways to store it and reheat it later.

Storage instructions

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight box in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste. Avoid freezing the dish, as the texture of the pasta and sauce may change upon thawing, compromising the overall quality.

Reheating instructions

  • Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes (or until heated through).
  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the pasta with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes (or until thoroughly heated).
  • Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it, a lip-smacking Cajun "Chicken" Alfredo Pasta dish bursting with flavors! With its zesty "chicken," aromatic spices, and velvety alfredo sauce, each bite will be a celebration of flavors. So go ahead, grab a fork, and dive into this amazing creation that will leave you wanting more. Share it with your family and friends; they will be impressed with your culinary skills!

Bring out your inner chef and recreate this incredible recipe in your kitchen. Follow the steps, unleash your creativity, and let your taste buds dance with joy. Feel free to add your own twists and variations to make it uniquely yours.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can easily make it dairy-free. Use a dairy-free Alfredo sauce and substitute Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative like Violife dairy-free Parmesan. The flavors will still be deliciously satisfying.

Feel free to amp up the spice level if you enjoy extra heat. Add more Cajun seasoning, increase the amount of hot sauce, or even experiment with additional spicy ingredients like diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice level to suit your personal preference.

The sauce of Chicken Alfredo is made of butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and seasonings. Butter provides richness, while heavy cream adds creaminess. Parmesan cheese contributes a salty and nutty flavor. Garlic brings a savory element, and seasonings like salt and black pepper enhance the taste. These ingredients are combined and simmered to create a creamy and flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and pasta, resulting in a deliciously indulgent dish.

Alfredo sauce traditionally has a simple and delicate flavor profile, allowing the cream and Parmesan cheese to shine. It's best to use spices in moderation to avoid overpowering the creamy and cheesy elements. Adjust the amount of spices according to personal preference and taste. Here are some commonly used spices that work well in Alfredo sauce:

  • Garlic powder: Adds a savory and aromatic note to the sauce.
  • Onion powder: Provides a subtle and sweet flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
  • Nutmeg: Offers a warm and slightly sweet taste that enhances the overall flavor profile of the sauce.
  • Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, adds depth and a Mediterranean touch to the sauce.
  • Black pepper: Adds a hint of mild heat and a peppery bite to balance the richness of the sauce.

📖 Recipe

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta in a brown bowl

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta is made with low-carb pasta, dairy-free alfredo sauce, and plant-based "chicken"
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: cajun
Keyword: pasta
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 409kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 package Kaizen pasta cooked according to package instructions then drained
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 package Daring Cajun "Chicken"
  • ½ medium yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 3 large handfuls fresh baby spinach
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce see post for suggestions
  • ½ jar Primal Kitchen Alfredo sauce
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan for topping dairy-free if plant-based, we use Violife
  • Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for topping
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
  • Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, cook the "chicken" according to package instructions (if using animal-based chicken, cook for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy).
  • Add in the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened before adding in the spinach, cherry tomatoes, and spices. Cook just until the spinach is wilted then add in the hot sauce and alfredo sauce. Stir to combine.
  • Gently fold in the pasta. To serve, top with parmesan, salt, and pepper≥

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Amount Per Serving
Calories 409 Calories from Fat 216
% Daily Value*
Fat 24g37%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 11g
Cholesterol 4mg1%
Sodium 1290mg56%
Potassium 812mg23%
Carbohydrates 34g11%
Fiber 19g79%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 2045IU41%
Vitamin C 12mg15%
Calcium 162mg16%
Iron 6mg33%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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