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One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bowl


  • Author: Emily Carter
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Looking for a bold, satisfying, and quick weeknight dinner idea? This One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bowl is everything you love in a comforting pasta dish—juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, tender broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce—all made in just one pot. It’s a perfect easy dinner that’s packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and leaves minimal dishes behind. Whether you’re after quick breakfast leftovers, a healthy snack between meals, or easy recipe inspiration, this dish fits all your food ideas.


Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

8 oz penne pasta

2 ½ cups broccoli florets

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic minced

1 ¾ cups heavy cream

¾ cup whole milk

1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley chopped

½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)


Instructions

1. Season the cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Reduce heat to medium, melt butter in the same pan, and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30–45 seconds.

5. Pour in heavy cream and milk, then stir well to combine.

6. Add uncooked pasta to the pan, stir, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Add broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking time.

8. Once pasta is al dente, lower heat and stir in Parmesan until melted.

9. Return chicken to the pot and combine gently. Add a splash of pasta water if sauce is too thick.

10. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, richest Alfredo sauce.

Add broccoli late in the cooking to keep it vibrant and crisp-tender.

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One Pot
  • Cuisine: American / Cajun Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1½ cups
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: easy dinner, one pot pasta, creamy chicken alfredo, cajun chicken, broccoli pasta