One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 8 ounces broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces (approximately 3 cups)
02 - 1 medium-sized shallot, finely diced

→ Seasoning and Spices

03 - 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

→ Dairy

04 - 2 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly and finely grated (approximately 2 cups)
05 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Protein

07 - 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed into 1-inch pieces

→ Pasta

08 - ½ pound dried penne rigate pasta (or farfalle, cavatappi, orecchiette, rotini, or fusilli)

→ Liquids

09 - 2 cups chicken stock
10 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Oils

11 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

→ Herbs

12 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

→ Aromatics

13 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

# Instructions:

01 - Cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice shallot and mince garlic. Grate parmesan cheese. Cube chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, pat dry, and toss with Cajun seasoning.
02 - Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sear chicken until browned on the outside and cooked through, working in batches if needed. Set chicken aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on some sides.
04 - Add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet with the broccoli, cover, and steam for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still firm. Remove and set aside with chicken.
05 - Turn heat to medium-low and melt butter. Sauté shallots for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
06 - Pour in chicken stock, heavy cream, and pasta. Stir, cover, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-8 minutes or until just under al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
07 - Remove lid and add chicken with juices, broccoli, and grated parmesan. Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens. Chop parsley during this time.
08 - Serve hot with additional parmesan cheese and parsley on top.

# Notes:

01 - Different Cajun spice blends vary in saltiness and heat. Start with 1 tablespoon of seasoning and adjust to taste.
02 - Searing broccoli adds extra flavor. For half-and-half substitutes, simmer longer to thicken the sauce.

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