This dish is designed with your busy schedule in mind. Seriously, it's a lifesaver on those crazy busy days when time feels like a rare commodity. Just imagine having a gourmet meal prepped and waiting for you in the freezer. All you have to do is grab it, toss it in your slow cooker or Instant pot, and Bam! Dinner is served.
There is a smell in my kitchen that has me all giddy. Let’s talk about something seriously tasty: Cajun Chicken Alfredo. Tender chicken swimming in a creamy Alfredo sauce, jazzed up with a kick of Cajun spices. It’s comfort food with a flavorful twist, bringing a bit of zing to your dinner routine.
But here’s the best part: this dish is designed with your busy schedule in mind. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver on those crazy busy days when time feels like a rare commodity. Just imagine having a gourmet meal prepped and waiting for you in the freezer. All you have to do is grab it, toss it in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, and bam! Dinner is served, no stress required.
Trust me, whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll love the ease and deliciousness of Cajun Chicken Alfredo. So why not give it a whirl? Your taste buds—and your busy schedule—will thank you!
Why you’ll love this Cajun Chicken Alfredo Freezer Meal
Kid-Approved: The creamy sauce and pasta are a hit with kids, even with a mild Cajun spice level.
Protein-Packed: Chicken offers a healthy dose of lean protein, making this a great option for growing kids and active adults.
Adaptable: Modifying this recipe to be gluten and/or dairy-free or even lower fat is easy, making this recipe a solid option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Freezer Meal Recipe
This dish is designed with your busy schedule in mind. Seriously, it's a lifesaver on those crazy busy days when time feels like a rare commodity. Just imagine having a gourmet meal prepped and waiting for you in the freezer. All you have to do is grab it, toss it in your slow cooker or Instant pot, and Bam! Dinner is served.
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except the chicken broth, parmesan cheese, penne pasta, and heavy cream, to the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking directions
Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump the contents of the freezer bag plus 2 cups of chicken broth into a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 5 hours.
Shred chicken and then add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, gluten free penne pasta and 1 cup water to slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook on low for 45 min – 1 hour more or high for 20 – 30 minutes. (Some GF pasta like chickpea will cook faster than others, so we recommend checking periodically as the pasta cooks to prevent overcooking)
Stir, serve and enjoy!
Instant Pot Directions
Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, 2 cups of chicken broth.Â
Set to High Pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a 5-minute natural release followed by a quick release. Â
After releasing the pressure and removing the lid, shred the chicken directly in the pot. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, gluten-free penne pasta, and 1 cup water to the Instant Pot. Stir well to combine.Â
Secure the lid again, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select High Pressure for 4 minutes (adjust time if your pasta package suggests a different cook time). Perform a quick release once cooking is complete.Â
Stir the contents well, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the pasta. Serve hot and enjoy!
Dietary Adjustments
Make This Gluten Free:
Ensure chicken broth is gluten freeÂ
Make This Dairy Free:Â Â
Replace 2 cups heavy cream with 1 (13.6 oz) can full fat coconut milkÂ
Omit parmesan cheese or replace with vegan parmesan cheese for dairy freeÂ
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Equipment needed to Make Spicy Chicken Pasta Freezer Meal
1 gallon freezer bag
1 Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
Ingredients for your Easy Chicken Cajun Alfredo
2-3 lbs Chicken thighs, boneless/skinless
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 tsp Black pepper
1 1/2 tsp Salt
3 tbsp Olive oil
Day of Cooking
2 cups Chicken broth
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
12 oz Penne pasta, Gluten-free
1 cup Heavy cream
How to Make a Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Prep/freezer directions:
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except the chicken broth, parmesan cheese, penne pasta, and heavy cream, to the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions
Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump the contents of the freezer bag plus 2 cups of chicken broth into a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 5 hours.
Shred chicken and then add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, gluten free penne pasta and 1 cup water to slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook on low for 45 min – 1 hour more or high for 20 – 30 minutes. (Some GF pasta like chickpea will cook faster than others, so we recommend checking periodically as the pasta cooks to prevent overcooking)
Stir, serve and enjoy!
What to Pair with your Make Ahead Cajun Chicken Pasta
Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free alternative that’s rich both rich in flavor and creamy, substitute heavy cream for canned coconut milk. The subtle sweetness is a great complement to the Cajun spices.
Turkey or Pork: To switch up the protein or simply use what you have on hand, either turkey or pork are great substitutes for chicken thighs. They absorb the flavor well and maintain moisture during cooking, which means the end result is just as scrumptious.
Additions:
Spinach: Adding a couple of cups of fresh spinach to the sauce adds a colorful aspect to the dish, but it also adds nutrition.
Red Bell Peppers: The natural sweetness of red bell peppers balances out the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning, and adds a slightly crunchy texture to the dish.
How to Reheat and Store Simple Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Best way to Store Leftovers Homemade Frozen Chicken Alfredo Recipe?
The best way to store Alfredo is to allow it to cool before storing. This process allows less condensation build up from the different temperatures once stored in the container, thus promoting quality texture and flavor when you go to reheat. Once cooled, store in airtight containers or resealable freezer bags.
How long will Cajun Chicken Alfredo last in the fridge?
When you have allowed your recipe to properly cool, and stored in the right containers or bags, your leftovers should remain fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge. Always check for spoilage before you go to reheat.
Can I freeze Cajun Alfredo Quick Dinner?
Yes. We recommend freezing raw, so that you are cooking fresh from the freezer. The more you freeze, thaw, reheat a meal, the more likely the texture and flavor will disappoint.
To freeze raw, label a gallon freezer bag with cooking directions and date of preparation, add all ingredients, except the chicken broth, parmesan cheese, penne pasta, and heavy cream, to the freezer bag. Then remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to three months.
If you have already cooked your meal and are looking to freeze your leftovers, then follow the same procedure as you would to store in the fridge. Allow your leftovers to cool, store in a freezer safe resealable bag, remove excess air, seal, and store for up to three months.
How to Reheat Healthy Cajun Chicken Alfredo?
The quickest method to reheating your leftovers would the microwave, however, this is also the method that will impact the flavor and texture of your recipe the most. Being careful not to overcook, reheat in short bursts of 30-60 seconds, stirring between intervals to ensure even cooking. If you wish to use the stovetop, place a splash of broth or water in a skillet, and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally during cooking. Reheat until your desired temperature has been reached.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Freezer Meal FAQs
Is chicken Alfredo bad for you?
Chicken Alfredo can be high in calories, fat, and sodium, which means it may not be the healthiest option if consumed in large quantities or very frequently. We consider it to be more of an on occasion treat, and we balance it out with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
What is the difference between Italian and American Alfredo?
American Alfredo has evolved to include ingredients like cream, flour, and milk, whereas the original Alfredo recipe (which is actually called al burro) only contains two ingredients: young Parmesan cheese and butter.
Can this dish be made dairy and gluten-free?
Dairy and gluten-free Alfredo sauces are available in store, but you can also make a cashew-based Alfredo sauce to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences.
How do I prevent Alfredo sauce from separating when reheating?
To prevent any separation in your Alfredo sauce when reheating, reheat it slowly over low heat and stir it frequently. This will prevent the sauce from breaking up.
How can Alfredo dishes be made healthier?
Alfredo dishes are generally more of a comfort food than a health dish, but there are minor adjustments that can make them slightly healthier. By using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (especially a chickpea pasta, for added protein)
What is the secret to a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce?
When it comes to top-notch Alfredo sauce, low and slow is key. Simmer the sauce gently to avoid any separating or curdling, gradually adding cheese and stirring until smooth and thoroughly blended.
How do I fix Alfredo sauce that got too thick?
Thick Alfredo sauce has an easy remedy: thin it out by gradually adding milk or water (preferably pasta water) until you reach the desired consistency. A whisk is usually the best kitchen tool for this.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
