Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

why make this recipe

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a fantastic combination of flavors. The spicy, smoky seasoning on the chicken pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s a great dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s simple to make and can easily please a crowd. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home!

how to make Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccini/linguini noodles)
• 3 chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1.5 cups shredded parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons blackened seasoning, divided (recipe is below)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots for serving

Blackened Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions

1. Pound the chicken breasts to a 1/4 inch thickness. Rub them with olive oil and season both sides with about 2-3 tablespoons of the blackened seasoning.
2. Heat a skillet to medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes or until it has a dark amber color on the underside.
3. Flip the chicken just once, reduce the heat to low, and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic to the skillet. Let the garlic butter melt into the chicken as it finishes cooking, about 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
4. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate with tented foil to rest before slicing.
5. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the remaining butter and let it melt. Add the rest of the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and 2-3 teaspoons of blackened seasoning. Bring to a low boil and simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 5 minutes.
7. While the sauce simmers, cook the noodles to al dente and reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water.
8. Add the parmesan cheese into the Alfredo sauce and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
9. Pour 1/3 cup of reserved pasta water into the Alfredo sauce and stir. Add the cooked noodles into the sauce, mixing to combine, and top with the sliced chicken. Optionally, sprinkle a little more Cajun seasoning on top before serving.

how to serve Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Serve Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo hot. You can place it on a big serving platter or in individual bowls. Add garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots on the side for a complete meal. This dish looks great topped with a sprinkle of parsley or more parmesan.

how to store Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

tips to make Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

• Make sure to pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
• Adjust the amount of blackened seasoning to fit your taste preference. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne.
• For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a little more heavy cream or parmesan cheese as needed.

variation

You can switch up the protein by using shrimp or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. Additionally, try adding some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use fettuccini, linguini, or any pasta you prefer.

2. What if I don’t have blackened seasoning?

You can make your own blend with the spices listed in the blackened seasoning section of the ingredients.

3. How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use whole grain pasta and reduce the amount of butter or use a healthier fat like avocado oil. You can also increase the amount of vegetables in the dish.

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Print Recipe

A flavorful combination of spicy blackened chicken and rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb. Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccini/linguini noodles)
• 3 chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1.5 cups shredded parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons blackened seasoning, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots for serving

Instructions

1. Pound the chicken breasts to a 1/4 inch thickness and rub with olive oil, then season both sides with 2-3 tablespoons of blackened seasoning.
2. Heat a skillet to medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes until dark amber on the underside.
3. Flip the chicken once, reduce the heat to low, then add 2 tablespoons of butter and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes until 165°F internally.
4. Remove the chicken and cover with foil to rest.
5. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter, sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes.
6. Add heavy cream and 2-3 teaspoons of blackened seasoning, bring to low boil, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
7. Cook noodles to al dente, reserving 1/3 cup of pasta water.
8. Stir in parmesan until melted, adjusting seasonings if needed.
9. Add reserved pasta water, combine with noodles, and top with sliced chicken. Optionally sprinkle with more seasoning before serving.

Notes

Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking. Adjust seasoning for spice preference. Add more cream for a creamier sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Cajun, Alfredo, Chicken, Pasta, Blackened Chicken