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What to Add to Chicken Alfredo Pasta

What to Add to Chicken Alfredo Pasta
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This Upgraded Chicken Alfredo Pasta takes the classic creamy comfort dish and kicks it up a notch with bold flavors and colorful ingredients. Tender chicken meets Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce—perfect for anyone craving something cozy but with a twist. Ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this version proves that Alfredo doesn’t have to be one-note.

Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta:

  • 300 g fettuccine or pasta of choice

  • Salt, for boiling water

For the protein & veggies:

  • 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 cup broccoli florets

  • ½ red bell pepper, sliced

  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Alfredo sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

To finish:

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

  • Extra Parmesan, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

  2. Sauté the chicken:
    Toss chicken slices with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

  3. Cook the veggies:
    In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté broccoli and bell peppers for 3 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes and garlic; cook another 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

  4. Make the Alfredo sauce:
    Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet. Stir in cream and cream cheese (if using) until smooth. Add Parmesan, nutmeg, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.

  5. Combine everything:
    Return chicken and veggies to the pan. Toss in cooked pasta and mix until coated. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.

  6. Serve:
    Plate the pasta, top with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • Swap chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage for variation.

  • Use spinach instead of broccoli for a softer green.

  • Cream cheese is optional but gives extra richness.

 

  • For a smoky twist, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Cajun Chicken Alfredo, Creamy Pasta Recipe, Easy Alfredo Dinner, Vegetable Alfredo, Fusion Alfredo, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://simpelrecipes.com/what-to-add-to-chicken-alfredo-pasta/