Blackened chicken alfredo is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy, seasoned chicken over rich, homemade alfredo sauce and tender fettuccine. This restaurant-quality meal is surprisingly easy to make at home and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold & Flavorful – Spicy blackened chicken pairs perfectly with creamy alfredo sauce.
- Easy & Quick – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Impress your family with a homemade classic.
- Customizable – Add veggies or swap pasta for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Blackened Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil or butter
- Paprika (smoked or regular)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt & black pepper
- Nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
For the Pasta:
- Fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Blackened Chicken:
- Make the Spice Blend – In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, salt, oregano, and thyme.
- Season the Chicken – Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat with the blackening seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken – Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Let rest, then slice.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Melt Butter – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic – Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Cream & Cheese – Stir in heavy cream, then gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).
Cook the Pasta & Assemble:
- Cook Pasta – Boil fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and toss with the alfredo sauce.
- Top with Chicken – Slice blackened chicken and place over the pasta.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Seafood Swap – Use shrimp instead of chicken for a blackened shrimp alfredo.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.
- Freeze – Alfredo sauce doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought alfredo sauce?
Yes! But homemade tastes much better.
What pasta works best for alfredo?
Fettuccine is traditional, but penne or linguine also work well.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting grainy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and stir constantly while adding it to warm (not boiling) cream.
Can I grill the blackened chicken instead?
Yes! Grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and less butter.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta or serve over sautéed veggies.
What sides go well with blackened chicken alfredo?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Let the chicken sit in the seasoning for up to 24 hours for more flavor.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Toss with a little olive oil if not serving immediately.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The chicken can be pre-cooked, but alfredo sauce is best made fresh.
Conclusion
Blackened chicken alfredo is a rich, creamy, and spicy dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today for an indulgent yet easy homemade meal!
PrintBlackened Chicken Alfredo
Blackened Chicken Alfredo is a flavorful fusion of spicy blackened chicken served over creamy fettuccine Alfredo. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that brings together Cajun seasoning and rich Italian-style sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with blackened seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and blackened. Remove from pan and let rest.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until well coated.
- Slice the blackened chicken and serve over the Alfredo pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use pre-made blackened seasoning or mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Adjust the level of blackened spice to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 155mg