Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo combines bold Cajun spices with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The blackened chicken breasts are seared to perfection with a crispy, flavorful crust, while the creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce coats the pasta in a velvety, indulgent way. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe delivers on taste and satisfaction. The combination of the smoky, spicy seasoning with the creamy sauce is sure to impress, making it a crowd-pleaser in any household. This dish is a perfect balance of spice and comfort, offering a delicious twist on a classic pasta favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold and Flavorful

The blackened Cajun chicken adds a spicy, smoky depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich Alfredo sauce, making this dish an explosion of taste in every bite.

2. Easy to Make

Despite its complex flavor profile, this recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

3. Creamy and Comforting

The creamy Alfredo sauce combined with the tender pasta creates a luxurious, comforting texture that perfectly complements the spicy chicken.

4. Homemade Blackened Seasoning

This recipe includes a homemade blackened seasoning that’s easy to prepare, allowing you to control the spice level and ingredients for a truly customized flavor.

5. Customizable

You can adjust the level of heat by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper, and you can swap in different types of pasta if you prefer a different texture.

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Ingredients

For the Blackened Cajun Chicken:

• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Heavy whipping cream
• Shredded parmesan cheese
• Blackened seasoning (homemade recipe below)
• Salt and pepper

For the Homemade Blackened Seasoning:

• Smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• Cayenne pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Ground black pepper
• Salt
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano

For the Pasta:

• Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccini/linguini noodles)

Optional:

• Garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots for serving

Variations

• Protein Options: While chicken is the traditional protein, you can swap it for shrimp or even use a combination of both for a seafood twist.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
• Extra Heat: If you love spice, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream and butter with non-dairy alternatives such as coconut cream and dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version of the dish.

How to Make Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Prepare the Blackened Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir well to combine and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Generously rub the blackened seasoning over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are coated on all sides.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a crispy blackened crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Mafaldine noodles (or preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the shredded parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Slice the Chicken

While the Alfredo sauce is simmering, slice the rested blackened chicken into thin strips.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Once combined, top with the sliced blackened chicken.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo hot, optionally with garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots on the side. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rest the Chicken: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices, keeping the meat tender.
• Make the Alfredo Sauce Ahead: You can prepare the Alfredo sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. Just add a bit of extra cream if it thickens too much.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning to match your preferred heat level. You can always add more spice later, but it’s hard to tone it down once added.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: For the creamiest Alfredo sauce, always use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.

How to Serve

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo pairs perfectly with garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a special touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness to the rich, creamy dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken to maintain freshness.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta and Alfredo sauce for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream or milk to help restore the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from thickening too much. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as fettuccini, linguini, or even penne, depending on your preference.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. Just warm it through before adding it to the dish.

3. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker Alfredo sauce, you can simmer it for a longer period to reduce it, or you can add more parmesan cheese.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, increase the cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for an extra kick.

5. Can I use a non-dairy substitute for the cream and butter?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative and use vegan butter to make the dish dairy-free.

6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.

7. Can I make the blackened seasoning ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the blackened seasoning ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for several months.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free unless you use gluten-free pasta.

9. How can I make this dish less rich?

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and use less butter.

10. Can I use a different protein?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even steak for a different take on this dish.

Conclusion

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a perfect blend of bold Cajun flavors and rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and plenty of room for customization, this recipe will become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the combination of spicy, smoky chicken and indulgent pasta in a way that’s sure to please every palate!

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