This Blackened Chicken Alfredo delivers the perfect balance of spice and cream. With juicy, pan-seared chicken rubbed in a smoky Cajun-style spice mix and nestled over tender fettuccine coated in a luxuriously creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Customize the spice level to suit your taste, and don’t forget a sprinkle of parsley to brighten the final dish. Pair it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a full meal everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 teaspoons smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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12 oz fettuccine pasta
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
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Pat chicken dry and rub both sides generously with olive oil and spice mix.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 5-6 minutes per side, or until blackened and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Whisk in flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
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Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Let sauce thicken, about 3-5 minutes. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
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Slice the rested chicken into strips.
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Toss the cooked fettuccine in the Alfredo sauce. Plate the pasta, top with blackened chicken slices, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 685 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Blackened Chicken Alfredo: A Creamy Cajun Classic That Wins Every Time
When it comes to hearty, soul-warming dishes, few recipes rival the comforting indulgence of Blackened Chicken Alfredo. This crowd-pleaser combines the bold spices of blackened chicken with the rich, velvety embrace of a garlic-Parmesan Alfredo sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. Whether you’re cooking to impress dinner guests, whipping up a special date-night meal, or simply treating yourself to something extra savory, this dish delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.
The Origins of Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Blackened Chicken Alfredo is a beautiful mash-up of culinary influences. On one hand, you have the creamy Alfredo sauce, which originates from Rome, Italy. Traditional Alfredo was made simply with butter and Parmesan, but over time, especially in American kitchens, it evolved to include heavy cream for that ultra-luxurious texture.
On the other hand, “blackening” is a cooking technique made popular by Chef Paul Prudhomme in Louisiana. It’s a staple in Cajun and Creole cuisine and involves coating meat or seafood in a spice mixture and then searing it in a very hot skillet, typically cast iron, until the exterior becomes charred or “blackened.” The spices caramelize and form a deep, flavorful crust that locks in the juices of the meat. When this spicy technique is paired with a creamy pasta sauce, magic happens.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe hits all the right notes: savory, spicy, creamy, and comforting. The chicken is tender on the inside with a bold, flavorful crust. The Alfredo sauce is rich and silky, clinging to every strand of fettuccine. Together, they create a perfect harmony of heat and cream that makes each bite irresistible.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare! With just a few key ingredients and about 40 minutes of time, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal in your own kitchen.
Perfect for:
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Family dinners
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Meal prep
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Impressing guests
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Date night at home
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Special occasions or celebrations
Key Ingredients and Flavor Notes
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook up quickly. The blackening seasoning brings them to life, creating a smoky and spicy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Blackening Seasoning: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This blend infuses the chicken with intense flavor and a slightly spicy kick. You can always adjust the cayenne to control the heat level.
Fettuccine: This flat, thick pasta is ideal for creamy sauces like Alfredo because its surface holds onto the sauce well. Feel free to substitute with linguine or tagliatelle if needed.
Butter and Garlic: These create the base of the Alfredo sauce. The garlic provides a fragrant depth, while butter adds richness.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan Cheese: These form the backbone of the sauce. Cream creates the lush texture, and freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami punch.
Chicken Broth: Helps lighten the sauce slightly and adds an extra layer of savory flavor.
Nutmeg (Optional): A tiny bit of ground nutmeg enhances the warmth of the Alfredo sauce. It’s a subtle touch that brings everything together.
Cooking Tips and Variations
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Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you have one, use it to blacken the chicken. Cast iron retains heat well and will give you that perfect crust.
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Freshly Grated Cheese Only: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, grate your Parmesan fresh.
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Control the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the amount of cayenne and adjust after tasting. You can also add a little cream or pasta water to mellow out the heat.
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Add Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions. Sauté them before adding the Alfredo sauce for added texture and flavor.
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Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or go for a cauliflower Alfredo base if you’re trying to cut down on dairy or calories.
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Pasta Swap: Try penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti if you don’t have fettuccine on hand.
Pairing Suggestions
This rich and creamy dish pairs well with light, fresh sides and drinks to balance the bold flavors. Here are some suggestions:
Side Dishes:
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Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
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Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Steamed or roasted broccoli
Drinks:
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A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
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Sparkling water with lemon or lime
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A light beer, such as a pilsner or pale ale
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce over time, so you may need to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Avoid overheating, which can cause the sauce to break or become grainy.
Make It Ahead
To save time, you can prep the components separately:
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Cook and season the chicken in advance.
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Grate the Parmesan and measure out the spices.
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Cook the pasta and toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
When ready to serve, just reheat everything, make the sauce, and assemble.
Conclusion
Blackened Chicken Alfredo is the kind of dish that feels fancy but is easy enough to make on a weeknight. It’s bold and creamy, spicy and comforting, everything you want in a satisfying pasta dinner. The fusion of Cajun-style chicken and Italian Alfredo sauce is truly next-level delicious.
Whether you’re trying to impress guests, celebrate a special moment, or just need a comforting dish at the end of the day, this recipe is your go-to solution. It’s versatile, flavorful, and always leaves people asking for seconds.
So heat up your skillet, grab your pasta pot, and get ready to create a masterpiece that’s bound to become a household favorite.