This Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta combines the bold, smoky flavors of Cajun-seasoned chicken with the rich creaminess of homemade Alfredo sauce. Perfectly seared chicken breasts are served over tender pasta coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce — a restaurant-quality meal made easily at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and comfort. The chicken’s blackened crust adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the smooth Alfredo sauce. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who enjoys a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together in less than an hour. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it family-friendly and versatile.

Ingredients

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

To cook the pasta:
8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
1 tablespoon kosher salt

To cook the chicken:
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Alfredo sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
2 cups finely grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Directions

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water to thin the sauce later if needed.
2. Prepare the chicken:
   While the pasta cooks, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to about ½ inch thick. Coat both sides evenly with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.
3. Cook the chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 5 minutes per side, or until the outside is blackened and the inside is fully cooked. Remove from the pan, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest.
4. Make the sauce:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Finish the Alfredo:
   Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning until smooth and creamy.
6. Combine:
   Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until the noodles are fully coated. Thin the sauce with the reserved pasta water if necessary.
7. Serve:
   Slice the chicken into strips and place on top of the pasta. Add any accumulated juices from the resting plate for extra flavor. Serve immediately while warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper for milder or hotter flavor.
• Protein swaps: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey strips, or tofu for a different twist.
• Vegetable add-ins: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms add color and extra nutrition.
• Cheese options: Use a mix of parmesan and pecorino for a sharper flavor.
• Pasta alternatives: Try linguine, rigatoni, or even whole-grain pasta for variety.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals at 50% power, stirring between each round to maintain the creamy texture.

FAQs

How spicy is blackened chicken alfredo?

It has a mild-to-medium spice level, depending on how much Cajun seasoning you use. You can easily reduce or increase the heat to suit your taste.

What is blackening seasoning made of?

It’s typically a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, and thyme, giving it smoky and spicy notes.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Homemade sauce gives the best flavor, but you can use store-bought Alfredo if you’re short on time.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance, but it’s best to combine everything just before serving to preserve the creamy texture.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Use low heat when adding the cheese and avoid boiling the sauce after the cheese is added.

What pasta works best?

Fettuccine is classic, but penne or linguine also hold the sauce well.

Can I make this recipe lighter?

Yes, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons.

Why should I use freshly grated parmesan?

Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, giving the sauce a creamier consistency.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables complement it beautifully.

How can I thicken the Alfredo sauce?

Simmer it a bit longer or add a small handful of extra grated parmesan to achieve the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy indulgence and bold Cajun flavor. With tender chicken, rich parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is guaranteed to impress at any dinner table. Whether it’s a family weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe brings restaurant-level comfort right to your home kitchen.

Print