Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and creamy: Spicy blackened chicken balanced by smooth Alfredo sauce.

• Easy to make: Simple seasoning and quick sauce preparation.

• Restaurant-quality: Impresses with minimal effort.

• Perfect weeknight dinner: Filling and flavorful in under 40 minutes.

• Customizable spice level: Adjust seasoning to your heat preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Blackening seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper)

• Olive oil or butter (for searing)

• Fettuccine pasta

• Heavy cream

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic (minced)

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare chicken: Coat chicken breasts evenly with blackening seasoning.

2. Cook pasta: Boil fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Sear chicken: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. Remove and let rest.

4. Make Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Combine: Slice chicken and add to Alfredo sauce. Toss in cooked fettuccine until coated.

6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable addition: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas.

• Spicier: Increase cayenne in the blackening seasoning.

• Low-carb: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles.

• Creamier sauce: Add cream cheese or mascarpone.

• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen sauce.

• Freezing: Not recommended due to cream sauce texture changes.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made blackening seasoning?

Yes, store-bought blends work well.

How do I prevent chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and let rest before slicing.

Can I make Alfredo sauce ahead?

Yes, reheat gently and stir before serving.

What pasta works best?

Fettuccine is traditional, but linguine or penne also work.

Is this recipe spicy?

Moderate heat; adjust cayenne to taste.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then blacken in a hot pan briefly for crust.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep refrigerated in sealed containers.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing Alfredo sauce can affect texture; best to consume fresh.

What sides pair well?

Serve with garlic bread, salad, or steamed vegetables.

Conclusion

Blackened Chicken Alfredo is a delicious fusion of smoky, spicy chicken and creamy, comforting pasta. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without the fuss.