Description
A creamy and spicy Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo that’s quick, beginner-friendly, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. Mafaldine or fettuccine pasta
- 3 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1.5 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons blackened seasoning (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even ¼ inch thickness. Rub with olive oil and generously season with 2–3 tablespoons of blackened seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes on one side until dark golden brown. Flip, reduce heat to low, and add 2 tablespoons of butter and some minced garlic. Cook for another 5–6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant (1–2 minutes). Stir in heavy cream and 1–2 teaspoons of blackened seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Stir parmesan cheese into the Alfredo sauce. Add reserved pasta water and cooked pasta, stirring to coat the noodles evenly.
- Slice the rested chicken and place on top of the pasta. Optionally, sprinkle extra blackened seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe cooking.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Pre-minced garlic and pre-grated cheese can save time for beginners.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
- Swap mafaldine pasta for fettuccine, linguine, or even penne if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 871
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 58g
- Saturated Fat: 30g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 220mg