Name: Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta With Broccoli
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 lbs Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 16 oz Penne Pasta; ½ cup Yellow Onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning; 2 cups of Buttermilk; 2 cups of shredded Parmesan; 3 cups of Broccoli Florets, steamed; 2 tablespoons Sesame oil; 1/3 cup Rice Wine; 3 Garlic Gloves, minced; 2 tablespoons of Unsalted Butter; Salt; Pepper

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I love making Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli! It’s one of my favorite dishes to prepare for dinner. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of spice is simply irresistible. Plus, the addition of steamed broccoli adds a healthy touch to the dish.

To make this delicious meal, I start by cooking minced garlic in sesame oil until it’s golden. Then I add in the Cajun-seasoned chicken and cook it until it’s fully cooked. In a separate pan, I melt unsalted butter and cook finely chopped onion with rice wine. Once the onion is cooked, I add in buttermilk and shredded parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.

After steaming the broccoli florets and boiling the penne pasta, I mix all of the ingredients in a bowl. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

History of Cajun Cuisine

Origins

Cajun cuisine is a style of cooking that originated from the French-speaking Acadian people who were deported from Canada by the British in the mid-18th century. The Acadians settled in Louisiana, where they adapted their traditional French cuisine to the local ingredients and cooking techniques.

Cajun cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, which are achieved through the use of ingredients such as cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic. Seafood, especially shrimp and crawfish, is a staple of Cajun cuisine, as is rice, which is often used as a base for dishes like jambalaya and gumbo.

Influence on Modern Cuisine

Cajun cuisine has significantly influenced modern American cuisine, particularly in the southern United States. Many dishes that are now considered to be “American” have their roots in Cajun cooking, such as blackened fish and chicken, and of course, the famous Cajun chicken Alfredo pasta with broccoli.

The use of bold and spicy flavors in Cajun cuisine has also become popular in other parts of the world, with chefs and home cooks experimenting with Cajun-inspired dishes. The popularity of Cajun cuisine has led to the creation of many Cajun-themed restaurants and food festivals, which showcase the rich and flavorful cuisine of Louisiana.

In summary, Cajun cuisine has a fascinating history and has had a significant impact on modern American cuisine. Its bold and spicy flavors continue to be enjoyed by people all over the world, and it remains a beloved and essential part of Louisiana’s culture and heritage.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta With Broccoli

Cajun Seasoning

For this recipe, you will need 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. This will give the dish its signature spicy flavor.

Chicken

You will need 2 lbs of chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces. This will be the main protein in the dish.

Alfredo Sauce

To make the Alfredo sauce, you will need 2 cups of buttermilk, 2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You will also need 1/3 cup of rice wine and 1/2 cup of finely chopped yellow onion to add flavor to the sauce.

Pasta

I like using 16 oz of penne pasta for this recipe. This type of pasta works well with the Alfredo sauce and will hold up to the chicken and broccoli.

Broccoli

Finally, you will need 3 cups of broccoli florets, which will add some color and nutrition to the dish. I like to steam the broccoli separately before adding it to the pasta.

To summarize, here are the ingredients you will need for Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta With Broccoli:

2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces

16 oz penne pasta
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

2 cups buttermilk
2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
3 cups broccoli florets, steamed

2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/3 cup rice wine
3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper

When you have all these ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking!

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Chicken

To start, cut 2 lbs of chicken breast into 1-inch pieces and season them with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then, add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and 3 cloves of minced garlic into a pan and cook until golden. Next, add the chicken to the pan and cook for 15 minutes until it is cooked through. Finally, remove the chicken from the heat and set it aside.

Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, boil 16oz of penne pasta for 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Making the Alfredo Sauce

To make the Alfredo sauce, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ½ cup of finely chopped yellow onion, and 1/3 cup of rice wine into the pan. Reduce the heat by half and add 2 cups of buttermilk and 2 cups of shredded parmesan. Stir the mixture until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combining the Ingredients

To finish the dish, steam 3 cups of broccoli florets and add them to the pan with the Alfredo sauce. Then, add the cooked chicken and pasta to the pan and mixed everything. Make sure all the ingredients are coated with the sauce and serve immediately.

Overall, this Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta With Broccoli is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Drinks

When pairing drinks with Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli, I recommend going for something that will complement the dish’s bold flavors. A good option would be a full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel. For those who prefer beer, a hoppy IPA would work well. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a glass of iced tea or lemonade would be refreshing.

Side Dishes

While this dish is filling on its own, you may want to serve it with a side dish to add some variety to your meal. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing would be a great option. You could also serve some garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side to soak up the delicious sauce. If you’re looking for something a bit healthier, roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini would be a great complement to the dish.

Overall, Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to please. So why not give it a try and see how it turns out?

Storing and Reheating Tips

After enjoying this delicious Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli dish, I always make sure to store any leftovers properly to ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing and reheating this dish:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta to keep it from drying out. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, or reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated.
If you want to freeze the leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When reheating frozen leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream and reheat on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli for days to come!

Conclusion

I loved making this Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli recipe and I hope you love it too! It is easy to follow and the resulting dish is delicious. The combination of the Cajun seasoning, buttermilk, and parmesan cheese gives the dish a unique and flavorful taste.

One thing I appreciated about this recipe was how versatile it is. You could easily substitute the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You could also add in other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to switch things up.

I also appreciated how this recipe was relatively healthy with the use of broccoli florets and the option to use whole wheat pasta. It’s always a plus when I can make a tasty meal that’s also good for me and my family.

Overall, this Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli recipe is a winner in my book. I can’t wait to make it again and experiment with different variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some variations of Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

There are many variations of Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Some people like to add different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Others want to add different types of meat like shrimp or sausage. You can also change the type of pasta you use or adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.

How do you make Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli?

To make Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli, start by cooking the chicken in a pan with sesame oil and garlic. Then, add butter, onion, rice wine, buttermilk, and parmesan to the pan to make the sauce. Steam the broccoli florets and boil the penne pasta separately. Once everything is cooked, mix all the ingredients in a bowl and serve.

What are some side dishes that pair well with Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

Some side dishes that pair well with Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta include garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

What is the nutritional value of Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli?

The nutritional value of Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Broccoli depends on the ingredients you use and the portion size. However, it is generally high in protein, calcium, and vitamin C. It is also high in calories, fat, and sodium, so it should be eaten in moderation.

Can I use a different type of pasta for Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta for Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Penne pasta is a popular choice, but you can also use fettuccine, linguine, or any other type of pasta you prefer.

What are some tips for making a creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce?

To make a creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce, use a combination of buttermilk and parmesan cheese. Be sure to cook the sauce over low heat to prevent it from curdling. You can also add a pinch of cornstarch to thicken the sauce if it is too thin. Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more or less Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Yield: 8