Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

This crowd pleasing pasta recipe features tender and juicy chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices, then seared to perfection and tossed with creamy Cajun-inspired alfredo sauce and al dente pasta. It’s a rich and flavorful dish that delivers a delightful kick with every bite, perfect for those who love a touch of heat in their comfort food.

Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s as exciting as it is delicious? Let’s dive into making Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta—a meal that combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with the spicy kick of blackened chicken. This easy recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress their family or just enjoy a fantastic meal. So, grab your apron, and let’s start cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

• Bold Flavor Contrast: The robust, spicy flavor of the blackened chicken recipe contrasts beautifully with the creamy, mild Alfredo sauce, creating a complex and satisfying taste profile that appeals to those who enjoy both heat and richness in their dishes. This also works great as an alternative to ground turkey alfredo.
• Texture Variety: The dish offers a pleasing variety of textures, from the crispy, seared exterior of the chicken to the smooth, silky Alfredo sauce and the firm bite of perfectly cooked fettuccine, making each forkful interesting and enjoyable.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Utilizing straightforward ingredients like chicken, Cajun seasoning, cream, and pasta, this recipe is easy to prepare while still delivering a dish that feels indulgent and special, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.

Supplies Needed 

• Large skillet or cast iron skillet
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Meat thermometer
• Cooking utensils like tongs and a whisk

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Blackened Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Blackened seasoning (a combination of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and creole seasoning)

For the Cajun Alfredo Sauce:

• Half and half (or heavy cream for an extra rich flavor)
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Fire Roasted Red Peppers (fire roast your own in the broiler or use jarred peppers)
• Yellow or White Onion
• Chicken broth (optional for thinning the sauce)

Pasta: Any pasta works here! I prefer a smaller pasta like penne but you can use traditional fettuccine pasta noodles as well. 

Extras: Green onions or sun-dried tomatoes for garnish. Feel free to test taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as well if needed.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process:

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the spices stick better and ensures a good sear. Combine the blackened seasoning spices, then evenly coat the chicken generously with your blackened seasoning, pressing it into the meat to coat all sides.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat some olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 4 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and then continue pan searing or follow my recipe guide for my viral blackened chicken recipe and finish roasting it in the oven for another 8-10 minutes or so. The goal is to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.  Remember, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. Once cooked, let the chicken rest while you make the sauce. This helps keep it juicy.

1. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Save a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy water is perfect for adjusting your Alfredo sauce’s consistency later.
2. Make the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce the heat to medium. The pan already has oil in it, but if it’s dry add additional olive oil or butter if necessary. Cook down and saute the red pepper, onion, and minced fresh garlic, cooking until fragrant. Pour in the half and half and bring to a light simmer (do not let this boil).
3. Lower the heat and let it thicken slightly, stir continuously with a whisk so it doesn’t burn. Then, stir in the grated fresh parmesan cheese slowly in small handfuls until it melts into a creamy Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust it by adding a bit of the reserved pasta water or chicken broth. 

1. Combine Everything: Slice the rested chicken into strips. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken together with the creamy sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta hot. Garnish with chopped green onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature, causing the chicken to steam instead of searing, and you’ll miss out on those tasty, caramelized edges.
• Low and Slow: When making the Alfredo sauce, keep the heat low to prevent the dairy from separating and becoming grainy. Patience is key to achieving a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Salt the Water: Generously salt your pasta water. This is your chance to season the pasta itself, and it can make a significant difference in the overall taste of the dish.
• Don’t Overcook: Cook your pasta al dente so it retains some bite. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce, so slightly undercooking it in the water can prevent it from becoming mushy later.
• Cool Quickly: If you have leftovers, cool them quickly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
• Reheat Gently: Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce again.

More Recipes To Try

Blackened Pork Chops Recipe

Creamy Southwestern Pasta Salad

Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Taco Bowls

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad