Save to Pinterest A creamy flavorful pasta dish featuring succulent turkey and bold Cajun spices all tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a Southern twist.
I first made Cajun Spiced Turkey Alfredo after wanting something cozy but with the punch of Southern spices. It quickly became a requested favorite in my kitchen when I wanted dinner to be both hearty and exciting.
Ingredients
- Turkey: 400 g (14 oz) turkey breast cut into bite sized strips 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fettuccine or linguine
- Alfredo Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter 3 cloves garlic minced 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) heavy cream 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg salt and black pepper to taste
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley extra grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Turkey:
- While the pasta is cooking toss the turkey strips with olive oil Cajun seasoning salt and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Sauté the Turkey:
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the seasoned turkey and sauté for 6 8 minutes stirring occasionally until golden and cooked through. Remove turkey from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce Base:
- Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 3 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Season:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta and turkey to the sauce tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve:
- Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest This recipe was shared at our last family dinner and my kids couldn't stop asking for seconds. It's become our go-to for nights when we want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Garlic bread makes a perfect side for soaking up any leftovers.
Ingredient Swaps
Chicken breast is a great substitute for turkey if preferred, and you can use gluten free pasta for special dietary needs.
Nutrition Info
Each serving provides about 620 calories 30 g total fat 54 g carbohydrates and 36 g protein ensuring this meal is both satisfying and nourishing.
Save to Pinterest Take a moment to appreciate the aroma before serving. Cajun Spiced Turkey Alfredo will soon be a regular request at your table!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute chicken for turkey?
Yes, chicken breast can be used in place of turkey for a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → What pasta shape works best?
Fettuccine or linguine are ideal as they hold the creamy Alfredo sauce well, but other pasta shapes can also be used.
- → How can I make the dish gluten-free?
Simply use certified gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- → Is the dish spicy?
It has mild heat from Cajun seasoning. For extra spiciness, add cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
- → What could I serve alongside?
Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay for a balanced meal.