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Homemade Cheddars New Orleans Pasta: Restaurant-Worthy Cajun Alfredo at Home photo

Cheddars New Orleans Pasta: Restaurant-Worthy Cajun Alfredo at Home

This Cheddars New Orleans Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality Cajun Alfredo right to your kitchen!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup Italian dressing
  • 16 ounces penne pasta
  • 4 ounces butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1.5 cups salsa
  • 1.5 tablespoons Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning
  • 8 ounces smoked sausage sliced
  • 8 ounces shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 white onion sliced

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the Italian dressing. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the marinated chicken and sliced smoked sausage. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sausage is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and whisk for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Gradually add the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Then, add the salsa and Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning.
  6. Add the cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, sliced green bell pepper, and onion into the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through.
  7. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. Serve your Cheddars New Orleans Pasta warm, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavor.
  • Feel free to substitute the proteins with tofu or other options.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.