Whip up Cajun Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo in 30 minutes with jar sauce, homemade Cajun seasoning, and juicy chicken thighs. Creamy, bold, and weeknight easy.
I've tested this dish every which way: stovetop, Instant Pot, and slow cooker. Not every night looks the same. Sometimes you need quick. Other times you need hands off. Maybe you just want one pot to clean. Either way, I've got you.
This recipe is similar to my Cajun Salmon Alfredo and Cajun Sausage Spaghetti. Both feature big bold Cajun flavors with a creamy cheesy sauce but this Cajun Chicken Alfredo with jar sauce is my go to for busy weeknights.
After testing this recipe a few times I figured out the pasta to sauce sweet spot: 8 oz pasta for a 15 oz jar keeps it nice and creamy, 10 oz if you like it lighter.
Jump to:
- Recipe Highlights
- Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Making Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce Step by Step
- Stovetop
- Instant Pot
- Slow Cooker
- Expert Tips for Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce
- Variations to Try
- What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Storage Reheating and Make Ahead Tips
- Common Questions
- More Recipes Like This
- Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce
Recipe Highlights
- We use a homemade Cajun seasoning that's not too complex and is very mild in spice and low in salt making it a kid favorite
- Three methods: stovetop in 20 minutes, Instant Pot in 25 minutes, or slow cooker in 3 to 5 hours
- We use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts so you can count on it being nice and juicy instead of dry and rubbery. This works great in our Creamy Cajun Chicken and Rice.
- It's budget friendly! The ingredients for the Cajun seasoning, alfredo sauce, and pasta are all pantry staples you may already have on hand
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken thighs → chicken breasts or shrimp (be sure not to overcook)
- Fettuccini pasta → penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti
- Cajun seasoning → store bought (check the salt and spice adjust as needed)
- Parmesan cheese → Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or Asiago for nuttier flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Making Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce Step by Step
Stovetop
Step 1: Season chicken with cajun seasoning on all sides.
Step 2: Pan fry chicken on both sides until fully cooked. Set aside.
Step 3: Add Alfredo sauce and a little chicken broth. Simmer for a few minutes.
Step 4: Add cooked pasta and parmesan. Stir until well combined. Top with chicken.
Step 5: Top with parsley and serve.
Instant Pot
Sear chicken in the pot. Add Alfredo, broth, and pasta (broken in half). Pressure cook 6 minutes. Quick release. Stir with Parmesan.
Slow Cooker
Add seasoned chicken, jar Alfredo, and broth to the slow cooker. Cook until tender. Add hot cooked pasta and Parmesan before serving.
See the recipe card for more details.
Expert Tips for Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce
- Control spice: ¼ teaspoon cayenne = mild, ½ teaspoon = medium, ¾ teaspoon = hot
- Check salt: if using store Cajun blends, cut back since jar Alfredo already has sodium
- Loosen sauce with a splash of broth or pasta water if fettuccine absorbs too much
- Rest chicken before slicing so it stays juicy
Variations to Try
- Add andouille or smoked sausage
- Toss in peppers and onions for a Cajun jambalaya vibe
- Swap chicken for shrimp
What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Air Fryer Cheese Toast is perfect for scooping up sauce
- Crisp salad like my Apple Strawberry Salad or Beetroot Broccoli Salad
- Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower or Roasted Proscuitto Brussel Sprouts are easy sides to make
Storage Reheating and Make Ahead Tips
- Fridge: 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating
- Reheat: low heat on stovetop or microwave with liquid to revive sauce
- Freezer: not ideal since cream sauces can split. Freeze just the chicken if you want a head start
- Make ahead: cook chicken ahead and store. Toss with hot pasta and jar Alfredo when ready
Common Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Can I double the recipe?
What's the best Cajun seasoning for pasta?
Does Alfredo curdle in the Instant Pot?
More Recipes Like This
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Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust for spice
- 1 teaspoon salt
For The Alfredo
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 15oz jar Alfredo sauce
- Chicken broth see method
- 8 oz fettuccini pasta see note below
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Stovetop Method
- Cook fettuccini in salted water until al dente. Drain.
- In a small bowl mix all Cajun seasoning ingredients. Add to chicken thighs and toss until fully coated.
- In a skillet, heat oil and cook seasoned chicken 5-6 minutes per side (165°F). Remove and slice.
- In the same skillet, add Alfredo sauce and a splash of broth (¼ cup) if needed to loosen. Simmer 3-4 minutes.
- Toss in pasta and Parmesan. Stir to coat.
- Top with chicken and parsley.
Instant Pot Method
- In a small bowl, mix all Cajun seasoning ingredients. Season chicken thighs with Cajun seasoning and toss until fully coated.
- Set to sauté, heat oil, and sear seasoned chicken 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add Alfredo sauce, ¾ cup broth, and fettuccini (broken in half). Press pasta down so it's mostly submerged.
- Seal lid, cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes. Quick release.
- Stir well, add Parmesan, and garnish with parsley.
Slow Cooker Method
- Season chicken with Cajun blend. Optional: sear in a skillet for flavor.
- Add chicken, Alfredo sauce, and ½ cup broth to the slow cooker. Stir.
- Cook on Low 4-5 hours or High 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Cook fettuccini separately.
- Slice or shred chicken, then stir pasta and Parmesan into the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Fridge: 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating
- Reheat: low heat on stovetop or microwave with liquid to revive sauce
- Don't Freeze
- Make ahead: cook chicken ahead and store. Toss with hot pasta and jar Alfredo when ready
Let the chicken rest before slicing so it stays juicy
Loosen sauce with a splash of broth or pasta water if fettuccine absorbs too much
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