Red Lobster Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

If you’re craving a flavorful pasta dish, this Red Lobster Cajun Chicken Alfredo recipe is going on your list, trust me!

What I love most about this recipe is how the spices infuse such rich, vibrant flavors into the chicken.

Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get that perfect sear and then follow the rest of the steps below!

How to Make Red Lobster Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 lb Chicken Breast (cut into chunks)
• 1 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 8 oz Fettuccine Pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved) (optional)
• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the olive oil and chicken chunks.

Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken.

Step 2:

Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s almost tender.

Stir frequently to avoid sticking.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3:

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet.

Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4:

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted.

Seasons with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5:

Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.

Drain and add it to the skillet.

Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes if desired.

Serving Size: 4 people

Total Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Total Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Adjusting Spice Level

If you like your food spicier, add more Cajun seasoning.

Be cautious; you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.

Alternative Proteins

You can substitute shrimp or a mix of chicken and shrimp to add variety to your dish.

Both work wonderfully with the Cajun seasoning.

Cream Consistency

For a thicker sauce, let the cream simmer a bit longer.

If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of chicken broth.

Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh garlic enhances the flavor more than using garlic powder.

Fresh parsley also adds a nice touch of color and freshness.

Pasta Options

While fettuccine is traditional, you can use any pasta you have on hand.

Penne or linguine works well too.

What to Serve with Red Lobster Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with a classic like garlic bread!

Its crunchy exterior and soft, buttery interior pair perfectly with the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Just pop it in the oven for a few minutes, and you have the ideal side dish.

Green Bean Almondine

Add some greens to your meal with Green Bean Almondine.

The slightly crunchy texture of the green beans, combined with the nutty flavor of almonds, provides a pleasant contrast to the rich Alfredo.

It’s a light and refreshing option that’s easy to make.

Caesar Salad

A Caesar Salad is always a hit!

The crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crouton crunch complement the spicy flavors of Cajun Chicken Alfredo.

Plus, it’s straightforward to put together and adds a fresh element to your meal.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

For a unique twist, you can serve mashed sweet potatoes.

Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the spiciness of the chicken.

Adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg can give them a cozy, warming flavor that’s delightful.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are another great option.

Their slightly bitter flavor and crispy edges balance out the richness of the Alfredo sauce.

You can toss them in some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until golden brown for a tasty and nutritious side.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Options

If you’re not feeling chicken, try using shrimp for a seafood twist.

You can also mix chicken and shrimp for a surf-and-turf take.

For a vegetarian option, swap the meat for sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to keep it hearty.

Dairy-Free Substitutes

Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Nutritional yeast can be used in place of parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Use olive oil instead of butter to keep it vegan-friendly.

Spice Levels

Adjust the Cajun seasoning to control the heat of the dish.

Add more cayenne pepper if you like it extra spicy.

If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip the cayenne.

Pasta Choices

Classic fettuccine works great, but you can use penne or rotini for a change.

For a low-carb option, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Whole wheat pasta would add more fiber to your meal.

Sauce Variations

Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Throw in some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for added color and taste.

Stir in a bit of pesto for a flavorful twist.

How to Store Leftover Red Lobster Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Use Airtight Containers

Place your leftover Cajun Chicken Alfredo in airtight containers to keep it fresh.

Make sure the containers are completely sealed before storing them in the refrigerator.

These containers will prevent the pasta from drying out and absorbing other odors from the fridge.

Refrigeration and Timing

Store your leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.

They will stay safe to eat for up to three days.

Label the containers with dates to keep track of how long they have been stored.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you need to store your leftovers longer, freezing is a great option.

Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Press out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing.

Proper Thawing

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the Cajun Chicken Alfredo.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skimping on the Cajun Seasoning

Without enough Cajun seasoning, the dish lacks its signature bold flavor.

Be generous with the seasoning, but taste as you go to avoid over-salting.

It’s easy to adjust the heat level, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Overcooking the Chicken

Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough, ruining the texture of your dish.

Cook the chicken until it’s just done, then set it aside.

It will cook a bit more when combined with the Alfredo sauce later.

Using Low-Quality Pasta

Cheap pasta can get mushy and fall apart, affecting the overall dish.

Opt for high-quality pasta that holds up well when cooked.

Al dente pasta adds a perfect bite to the creamy Alfredo sauce.