Blacked chicken alfredo explodes with flavor. It’s loaded with a Cajun-flavored spice rub that coats and sears onto the chicken breast for incredible flavor. Then, pair it with creamy alfredo pasta for the ultimate chicken alfredo recipe that takes just 30 minutes to make.
Looking for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor, creamy, and just a little bit fancy? Let me introduce you to Blackened Chicken Alfredo. This dish takes classic Alfredo pasta to the next level with juicy, blackened chicken that’s perfectly seasoned, tender, and delicious. The combination of the smoky, spicy chicken and the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce is seriously irresistible!
If you crave comfort, this homemade alfredo with blackened chicken will impress. You create a silky smooth alfredo sauce that makes this chicken dish perfect. Pair with garlic bread or a Caesar salad, and ring the dinner bell.
What is Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Blackened chicken alfredo is a creamy homemade alfredo sauce paired with fettuccine noodles. First, you season your chicken with a dry, blackened seasoning mix. It is Cajun-flavored, and you sear the chicken in a hot pan to create a nice crust.
Slice and top your creamy pasta with slices of chicken for a tasty chicken alfredo with a flavor twist from the spice mix.
Reasons To Make This Blackened Chicken Alfredo
- Fancy Meal: You get a meal at home with simple everyday ingredients. While it looks like a dish you could order at a restaurant, it takes minimal effort.
- 30-Minute Meal: From start to finish, this chicken Cajun pasta takes just 30 minutes to make. Great for busy nights.
- Customize Heat: Blackened seasoning can carry a kick, but with this recipe, you can customize how mild or spicy you would like it. Just use less or more cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to adjust the flavor.
- Family-Friendly Meal: Kids and adults will both devour this creamy pasta dish.
Ingredients
- Spices: You will blend your blackened spice with spices you might already have in your kitchen. The ingredients are in the recipe card below.
- Chicken: Opt for boneless chicken breasts that you have trimmed and prepped.
- Oil: Some olive oil is needed to create a nice sear on the chicken.
- Butter: Butter will help richen up the recipe a bit. I recommend using real butter, not margarine.
- Garlic: You will want to mince fresh garlic for this recipe.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is the base of alfredo sauce. It creates a silky, smooth consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Pasta: While I used fettuccine pasta, you are welcome to use any pasta you want.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley is used to garnish.
Variations and Substitutes To Recipe
- You can swap the chicken breasts with chicken thighs or even drumsticks.
- You can use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken and apply the blackened seasoning, just like you would chicken.
- Use any pasta you would like, from bowtie to spaghetti noodles.
- You can use half and half instead of heavy cream to lighten the sauce.
- Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can be used as a low-carb option.
- Use store-bought seasoning instead of making your blackening seasoning.
- You can add some spinach leaves and let them wilt at the end.
- Mix in some broccoli or even mushrooms with the sauce for added flavor.
Check out this popular slow-cooker Olive Garden chicken pasta dish. It took the internet by storm!
What To Serve With Blackened Chicken
Not sure what to serve with this chicken alfredo recipe? Here are a few of my go-to options for serving up with my dish. Consider garlic bread, breadsticks, or even dinner rolls. They are great for slathering up the sauce.
Or, to make it lighter, consider serving with a crisp wedge salad, steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, or any other favorite vegetable.
Tips For Making This Cajun Pasta Dish
- Pounding out the chicken to help flatten it will help ensure an even cook on the chicken.
- Make sure the pan is nice and hot before you place the chicken in the skillet to create a nice sear.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; overcrowding can slow the cooking and prevent the chicken from getting a nice crust.
- When making the sauce, whisk it often to ensure you get a velvety, smooth texture.
- You can use pasta water to help thin out the pasta sauce if it is too thick.
- Cook your pasta to al dente. This way, the pasta stays a bit firm but doesn’t get too soft.
Storing Leftovers and Reheating
Refrigerate any of the leftovers you do not eat right away. They will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you want to reheat it, warm it in the microwave for a minute or so until warm. Then, place it in a skillet on the stovetop and heat it until warmed through.
FAQs
What makes the chicken “blackened”?
The chicken gets its name from the seasoning used. It is called blackening seasoning, which creates a darker-colored crust that almost offers a charred look.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you are more than welcome to cut a corner and buy store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making it from scratch.
How do I keep my Alfredo sauce from getting grainy?
If you heat the sauce too quickly, it will cause the mixture to become grainy. Make sure to heat on a medium-low heat to start so that it is a slow heating cycle.
If you love Alfredo but want to spice things up a bit, this is the recipe for you. It’s easy, comforting, and will definitely impress your family (or guests!). Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, so it’s the perfect go-to meal for a busy weeknight.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
Blackened Chicken Alfredo is the kind of meal that everyone in your family will love. The smoky, spicy chicken adds so much flavor to the creamy Alfredo sauce, and the pasta just soaks it all up. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food with a little twist, and it’s so easy to make, too!
This dish is perfect for date night, a family dinner, or even impressing guests at a special occasion. Plus, it’s easy enough to make any night of the week, so you can enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without having to leave your house.
If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and full of flavor, this Blackened Chicken Alfredo is the perfect dish for you. It’s comforting, quick, and loaded with bold flavors that will leave your family coming back for more. So, go ahead and give it a try – I’m sure it’ll be a hit!
Let me know how it turns out or if you add any twists of your own – I’d love to hear what you think! Happy cooking!
More Pasta Dinner Ideas
Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients
For the Blackened Seasonings:
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Blackened Chicken:
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounce fettuccine or any pasta
- ¼ cup pasta water optional
- Fresh parsley to garnish
- Grated Parmesan to garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, prepare the blackened seasonings by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mix on both the sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until charred on the outside and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove and let it rest before slicing by covering it with aluminium foil.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring frequently, then add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Slice the blackened chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Enjoy this creamy, spicy Blackened Chicken Alfredo, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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