Introduction

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a flavorful twist on classic Alfredo pasta, featuring perfectly seasoned chicken with a smoky, spicy crust. This creamy, comforting dish combines rich Parmesan sauce with a kick of Cajun spices, making it a crowd-pleaser for any dinner occasion.

A tan plate holds a serving of creamy light beige fettuccine pasta coated in a rich sauce, spread as the base layer. On top rests thick slices of dark brown grilled chicken breast with a textured, slightly charred crust and tender white inside. The pasta and chicken are sprinkled with small green parsley leaves and white cheese shreds for garnish. The scene includes a small beige bowl with mashed potatoes and a white bowl filled with chopped herbs in the blurred background. The setting is on a white marbled surface with two silver forks beside the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccine/linguine noodles)
3 chicken breasts
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons butter
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1.5 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons blackened seasoning (divided, recipe below)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: garlic bread (Texas toast or garlic knots for serving)

Blackened Seasoning

2 tablespoons smoked paprika (regular paprika can also be used)
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

Step 1: Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Coat both sides with olive oil and generously season with 2 to 3 tablespoons of blackened seasoning.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes until a dark amber crust forms on the underside. Flip the chicken, reduce heat to low, and add 2 tablespoons of butter along with 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Cook for 5-6 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from skillet and tent with foil to rest.
Step 3: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining butter. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in 2 to 3 teaspoons of blackened seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: While the sauce simmers, cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water before draining. Stir the Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning as desired.
Step 5: Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir to combine. Toss the cooked noodles into the sauce until well coated. Slice the rested chicken and arrange on top. Sprinkle with a bit of Cajun seasoning before serving. Serve with garlic bread if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in the seasoning blend.
Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
Leftover sauce can be thinned with a splash of milk when reheating if it becomes too thick.

Storage

Store leftover Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A close-up top view of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with neatly sliced grilled chicken breast, showing a golden-brown char on the chicken with some blackened spots. The pasta is coated in a creamy white sauce with a slightly textured look and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. A sprig of fresh green parsley sits on the side of the dish. The food is placed in a frying pan with a grey non-stick surface, resting on a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, mafaldine, fettuccine, or linguine work best, but you can use any pasta you prefer. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

How spicy is the blackened seasoning?

The seasoning has a moderate heat level from the cayenne pepper, balanced by smoky paprika and herbs. You can reduce the cayenne if you prefer a milder spice.