Have you ever cooked a meal that made everyone at the table fall silent with their first bite? Best Blackened Chicken Alfredo is exactly that kind of dish. I made it recently, and wow, the combination of Cajun-spiced chicken paired with the creamy Alfredo sauce over fettuccine was just out of this world.
The chicken was perfectly seasoned and juicy, and the sauce clung beautifully to each strand of pasta. It’s so good that I caught myself sneaking leftovers right out of the fridge the next day. If you want a showstopping dinner that’s easy to whip up, keep reading.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you can also enjoy similar dishes like this Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich, which is equally packed with flavor.
Ingredients for Flavorful Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Want this dish to taste like something from a high-end restaurant? It all starts with the right ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need, along with a mini tip for each one.
- 8 ounces of fettuccine
Choose quality pasta because it makes a difference in how the sauce sticks to it. - 2 medium chicken breasts
Slice each in half to create thinner fillets for even cooking. - 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided
Butter adds a rich base for the sauce and to sear the chicken. - 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Blends with butter to prevent scorching when cooking the chicken. - 4 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh garlic provides unbeatable flavor, so skip the powdered kind here. - 1½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth
Adds depth to the sauce while keeping it lighter than cream alone. - 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
The secret to achieving a creamy sauce while reducing the need for too much heavy cream. - 1 cup of heavy cream
Essential for a rich, luxurious texture. - ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-packaged grated cheese.
Blackening Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons each of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper and ¼-½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
(Adjust cayenne for your spiciness preference.)
Note: These ingredient amounts serve up to 4 people.
Exciting Variations to Elevate Your Dish
This recipe is super versatile, so here are some fun ways to switch it up:
- Go dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan.
- Add more veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrition and color.
- Spice it up: Increase the cayenne pepper or add red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Swap proteins: Try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
For a twist on creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy this Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta with Summer Vegetables recipe.
Cooking Time Breakdown
Here’s how much of your time goes into creating this masterpiece:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Tools to Make the Process Easy
Make sure you have these tools ready:
- Large skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Pasta pot: Perfect for cooking the fettuccine to al dente.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken without losing the seasoning.
- Cheese grater: For fresh Parmesan that melts beautifully.
- Meat mallet: To pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
How to Make Blackened Chicken Alfredo
You’ll be amazed how easily this delectable dish comes together. Follow these steps for perfection!
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half horizontally to get thin cutlets. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness. This not only helps them cook evenly but also infuses the seasoning better.
Step 2: Coat with Blackening Seasoning
Mix the blackening spices in a bowl. Reserve one tablespoon for the sauce and generously rub the rest over the chicken on both sides. Trust me, this seasoning makes all the difference.
Step 3: Cook the Fettuccine
Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain it, and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking together while you make the sauce.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with two tablespoons of butter and olive oil. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden outside and juicy inside. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
Step 5: Create the Alfredo Sauce
Using the same pan (don’t wipe it clean!), melt the rest of the butter. Add garlic and the reserved blackening seasoning. Cook for a minute, then whisk in the broth and cornstarch mixture. Stir until thickened. Reduce heat, add cream, and finally stir in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Marry the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked fettuccine directly to the skillet. Toss it well to coat every strand in the luscious sauce. Slice your cooked chicken and layer it on top.
Step 7: Serve and Savor!
Transfer the pasta and chicken to a platter, garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan, and dig in.
Additional Tips for Nail-It-Quality Results
Here are some bonus tips from my kitchen to yours:
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken! It ensures even cooking and makes the meat extra tender.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated cheese won’t melt into the sauce as well.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it hits 165°F and stays juicy.
- Keep the pasta water. Adding a splash can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve Blackened Chicken Alfredo
This dish is indulgent on its own, but pair it with:
- A crisp Caesar salad or arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce.
- Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus for added brightness.
For presentation, arrange the chicken slices over the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley. A shaving of Parmesan boosts the visual appeal and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fat: 27 grams
This is comfort food worth every bite!
How to Stor Blackened Chicken Alfredo?
Want leftovers? Here’s how to keep them just as amazing as the first time:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Creamy sauces don’t always freeze well, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month if you’re okay with a slight texture change.
- Reheat: Use a splash of milk or broth when reheating on the stove to bring the sauce back to life. Warm gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
For more dinner inspiration, check out these Dinner Recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s what makes this dish a total winner:
- Quick to make: Perfect for busy nights with just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Explosive flavor: The bold Cajun spices and creamy Parmesan sauce are a match made in heaven.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies with ease.
- Restaurant-quality: Treat your family to a dish they’ll swear came from a top chef!
- Great leftovers: Even the next day, it tastes just as fantastic.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs will be just as juicy, though you may need to adjust cooking time slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the fettuccine for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and it’s ready for a gluten-free table.
How can I make this less spicy?
Reduce the cayenne pepper or leave it out entirely for a milder flavor.
Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! Season the chicken and grate the Parmesan ahead of time for quicker assembly when you’re ready to cook.
Can I make the sauce lighter?
You can swap the heavy cream for evaporated milk mixed with cornstarch for a slightly lighter version.