Spice up your pasta game with this Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta—a dish that’s as bold as it is comforting! Juicy chicken breasts, coated in a fiery blend of Cajun-inspired spices, sit atop creamy fettuccine swirled in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce. The kick of cayenne and the smoothness of Parmesan make every bite a perfect balance of heat and indulgence. I love how this comes together in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners with a flair or impressing guests with minimal effort. If you’re a pasta lover who craves big, spicy flavors, this is your new go-to. Let’s fire up the skillet and dive into this creamy, zesty masterpiece!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this spicy pasta dish:
For the Blackened Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) – Tender, juicy canvas for bold spices.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken to a golden crust.
- 2 teaspoons paprika – Smoky, vibrant base for the blackened seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Savory depth for the spice mix.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Subtle sweetness to balance the heat.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Fiery kick (adjust for your spice tolerance).
- ½ teaspoon thyme – Earthy, herby note for complexity.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Seasons the chicken perfectly.
For the Alfredo Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta – Wide noodles to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Rich start for the Alfredo.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Aromatic foundation for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Velvety base for ultimate creaminess.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Nutty, cheesy depth for flavor.
- ½ cup chicken broth – Adds savory balance and thins the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Enhances the sauce’s flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped – Bright, herby garnish.
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese – For topping with cheesy goodness.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re set for a spicy, creamy feast!
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes – Seasoning, chopping, and boiling.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes – Searing chicken and making sauce.
- Total Time: 40 minutes – A bold dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta with ease—here’s how:
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub the spice mix evenly over both sides, pressing to adhere.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Remove to a plate, cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Start the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning.
- Finish the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy goodness.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the sliced blackened chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and savor the spicy, creamy vibes!
Tips & Tricks
Make this pasta even better with these handy pointers:
- Spice Control: Reduce cayenne to ¼ teaspoon for milder flavor, or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Veggie Boost: Sauté bell peppers or spinach with the garlic for added color and texture—toss in before the cream.
- Cheese Tip: Grate your own Parmesan for smoother melting; pre-grated can make the sauce grainy.
- Chicken Swap: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or shrimp for a seafood twist—blacken them the same way!
- Time Saver: Prep the spice mix and cook the pasta ahead to cut down on active cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is a meal in itself, but these sides make it a feast:
- Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Arugula Salad: Peppery greens with a lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
- Roasted Asparagus: A simple, green side to balance the richness.
- White Wine: A chilled Chardonnay to complement the creamy, spicy flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to enjoy this pasta later (if there’s any left!):
- Storage: Store pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk, stirring gently, for 5-7 minutes. Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet for 2-3 minutes to avoid drying out. Or microwave in 30-second bursts—skillet keeps the sauce creamier.
- Freezing: Freeze pasta and sauce (without chicken) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat; cook fresh chicken for best texture.
Nutrition Info
This pasta is indulgent and satisfying! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 38g – From the chicken and cheese.
- Fat: 36g (Saturated Fat: 18g) – From the cream, cheese, butter, and oil.
- Carbohydrates: 42g – Mostly from the pasta.
- Fiber: 2g – A bit from the pasta.
- Sugar: 3g – Naturally occurring in the cream and broth.
- Sodium: 850mg – Varies with cheese and salt; adjust to taste.
Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a fiery, creamy dream that brings bold Cajun vibes to a classic comfort dish. The spicy, juicy chicken paired with that rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce is a match made in pasta heaven—perfect for spice lovers and anyone craving a little indulgence. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for a dinner party. Whip it up, and watch it steal the show! Let me know how it turns out—or if you crank up the heat even more! Happy cooking!