Description
A rich and creamy Cajun-inspired Alfredo pasta with blackened chicken, perfect for a bold, flavorful dinner. The combination of spicy blackened chicken, creamy sauce, and tender mafaldine noodles will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
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1 lb. Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccini/linguini noodles)
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3 chicken breasts
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4 tablespoons olive oil
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6 tablespoons butter
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6–8 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups heavy whipping cream
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1.5 cups shredded parmesan cheese
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4 tablespoons blackened seasoning (divided)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional for serving:
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Garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots
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For Homemade Blackened Seasoning:
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2 tablespoons smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
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1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
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1 tablespoon onion powder
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2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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Instructions
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Make the Blackened Seasoning: Combine all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well.
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Prep the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts generously with the blackened seasoning on all sides.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until blackened and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside to rest before slicing.
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Cook the Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the mafaldine noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes.
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Gradually stir in the shredded parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
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Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and place on top of the creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta. Serve with garlic bread or garlic knots if desired.
Notes
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You can use fettuccini or linguini noodles if mafaldine isn’t available.
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Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper to the blackened seasoning mix.
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For an even richer sauce, add a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Italian