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Blackened Chicken Alfredo served with creamy pasta and a flavorful blackened seasoning

Blackened Chicken Alfredo


  • Author: Emma Kest
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulge in this flavorful Blackened Chicken Alfredo, featuring tender blackened chicken atop creamy pasta with a rich, savory Alfredo sauce.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Blackened Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for desired heat level)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 


Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

  1. Prep the chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the middle, creating two thinner pieces. Place each piece between plastic wrap and gently pound to even thickness (about ½-inch).
  2. Make the blackening seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Season the chicken: by brushing both sides of each piece with melted butter, then coat generously with blackening seasoning, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
  4. Heat the skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it’s very hot (about 5-7 minutes). You want it smoking hot for proper blackening.
  5. Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exterior should be dark and crusty, but not burnt.Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Making the Alfredo Sauce:

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Start the sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
  3. Add cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil). Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and salt to taste.
  5. Combine: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  6. Slice and serve: Slice the rested chicken against the grain into strips. Serve the pasta topped with sliced blackened chicken and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

 

Notes

Variations

  • Vegetable additions: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to the alfredo sauce.
  • Protein swaps: Try blackened shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
  • Pasta options: Swap fettuccine for linguine, pappardelle, or even penne.
  • Spice levels: Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to make it milder or spicier.
  • Cajun style: Add andouille sausage slices along with the blackened chicken for an extra Cajun twist.

 

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: pasta
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: blackened chicken alfredo