One‑Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo: A Comforting & Easy Dinner

A hearty, creamy one‑pot dinner that brings Cajun‑spiced chicken and tender broccoli together in a luscious Alfredo sauce. Minimal prep and cleanup make it perfect for busy weeknights, while the flavorful blend soothes the soul without overwhelming your joints or schedule.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One‑pot convenience: Fewer dishes and easy cleanup—perfect for effortless dinners.

• Balanced nutrition: High in protein and vegetables, with a velvety sauce that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

• Customizable spice: Cajun seasoning adds warmth and depth—easily adjusted to your taste.

• Comfort food made simple: Creamy Alfredo meets bold Cajun flavor in a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1‑inch pieces

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ cup chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.

2. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes, until aromatic and slightly softened.

3. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir to coat the chicken evenly.

4. Add broccoli florets and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and broccoli is crisp‑tender.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently and cook 2–3 minutes more, until the sauce thickens slightly—do not let it boil.

6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if using.

7. Serve immediately on its own, or ladled over pasta or rice for added substance.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Serves 4–6 people

• Prep time: 10 minutes (cutting chicken and broccoli)

• Cook time: 20–25 minutes

• Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable additions: Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or peas can be added along with the broccoli.

• Spice it up: Increase Cajun seasoning or stir in cayenne pepper for more heat.

• Healthier option: Substitute half‑and‑half for heavy cream, or use milk with a slurry of cornstarch to thicken.

• Pasta meal: Add 8 oz of uncooked pasta (like penne or fettuccine) when you add the broth, and cook until pasta is tender.

• Dairy‑free version: Use coconut cream and a dairy‑free Parmesan substitute to accommodate lactose intolerance.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

• Freezing: Not recommended due to cream separation—best served fresh or refrigerated.

FAQs

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes. Ensure your Cajun seasoning and broth are gluten‑free. Serve over gluten‑free pasta or rice.

What should I use if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

Substitute with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne for a homemade Cajun blend.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Thighs remain tender and work well in this recipe.

Is it okay to add pasta while cooking?

Yes. Add about 8 oz uncooked pasta when adding broth. Simmer until pasta is al dente, then finish with cream and cheese.

How do I get a thicker sauce?

Allow the sauce to simmer a little longer, or simmer briefly with the lid off. You may add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry if needed.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

You can cook components separately and reheat together. Avoid combining cream and cheese until ready to serve for best texture.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Light cream, half‑and‑half, or milk with a teaspoon of cornstarch can be used as lighter alternatives.

How spicy is this dish?

Mildly to moderately spicy. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your heat preference.

Can I reduce the sodium?

Yes. Use low‑sodium broth and reduce the added salt.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or more vegetables like mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

One‑Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo delivers big, satisfying flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. Creamy, spicy, and packed with vegetables, it’s an ideal dinner when you want comfort food without the fuss. Customize your veggies, adjust the spice, and enjoy this wholesome, tasty meal any night of the week!

One‑Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo: A Comforting & Easy Dinner

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4-servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

This One-Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy, comforting, and easy weeknight dinner made in just one pot! Loaded with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and bold Cajun spices, it’s a low-effort, high-reward recipe perfect for busy families and flavorful meal prep.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.

• Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

• Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

• Add broccoli florets and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked and broccoli is tender-crisp.

• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook on low heat until sauce thickens slightly (2–3 minutes). Do not boil.

• Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

• Serve immediately on its own or over cooked pasta or rice.

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Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning for desired spice level.

• Add bell peppers or mushrooms for more veggies.

• Great for meal prep – stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.