Spicy & Soulful Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Spice blazes through this classic blackened Cajun chicken Alfredo recipe, delivering a mouthwatering twist on traditional pasta dishes.

Tender chicken gets coated in a bold, fiery seasoning blend that packs serious flavor.

The blackened technique creates a stunning dark crust that seals in maximum juiciness and taste.

Creamy Alfredo sauce provides a smooth, rich counterpoint to the intense spice profile.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between heat and velvety comfort.

Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs add depth and brightness to this restaurant-worthy meal.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Special Touches

• Spice Up Your Meal: Blackened Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion that'll wake up your taste buds with bold, zesty notes.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy Alfredo sauce combined with spicy Cajun chicken creates a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both adventurous and classic palate preferences.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and streamlined cooking process mean you'll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious meal with family or friends.

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: A tender cut perfect for absorbing Cajun flavors and creating a hearty main dish.

• Blackened Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: A bold spice blend that adds deep, smoky complexity to the chicken.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that provides rich, savory undertones to both the chicken and sauce.

• Heavy Cream: A luxurious base that creates a smooth, rich Alfredo sauce with a velvety texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce while enhancing overall flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that melts beautifully and provides depth to the Alfredo sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken and preventing sticking.
• Pasta: A classic base that absorbs the creamy sauce and completes the dish.
• Pasta Water: A starchy liquid that helps bind the sauce and pasta together.

Cooking Steps for Cajun Alfredo

Step 1: Prepare Blackened Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and gently pound them to create an even surface.

Massage the chicken with a light coating of olive oil, then generously sprinkle blackened seasoning all over, ensuring every inch is covered with the spicy blend.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil over high heat.

Place the seasoned chicken in the hot pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes until a dark amber crust forms.

• Butter
• Minced garlic

Continue cooking until the chicken is fully done and beautifully caramelized.

Step 3: Create Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt additional butter with fresh garlic.

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in your favorite seasonings.

Let the mixture simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.

Step 4: Cook Perfect Pasta

Boil pasta until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Before draining, carefully set aside some pasta water – this secret ingredient will help create a silky sauce.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Stir grated parmesan into the sauce until it melts completely.

Add the reserved pasta water and noodles, tossing to coat evenly.

Slice the blackened chicken and arrange on top of the creamy pasta.

Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of Cajun-inspired flavors!

Tips for Spicy, Creamy Alfredo

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Lower skillet temperature after initial searing to prevent burning and maintain juicy chicken texture.
• Reserve pasta water helps create silky, perfectly coated noodles without making sauce too thick or dry.
• Adjust blackened seasoning quantity based on personal heat tolerance for personalized flavor profile.
• Slice chicken against the grain for more attractive plating and easier eating experience.

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Variations

• Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or blackened catfish for a coastal Louisiana-inspired version that keeps the Cajun flavor profile intact.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks, using the same blackening spices and creamy alfredo sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, spicy flavor of the original recipe.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Create a coconut cream-based alfredo sauce and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to accommodate lactose-intolerant or dairy-free dietary needs.

Serving Blackened Cajun Alfredo

• Rustic Dinner Plate Pairing: Serve on a large wooden board with rustic bread slices and fresh parsley sprinkled on top for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Veggie Companion Boost: Add roasted broccoli or sautéed asparagus on the side to bring fresh green color and nutritional balance to the creamy pasta dish.
• Wine Harmony Match: Pair with a crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio to complement the rich, spicy flavors of the blackened chicken and creamy alfredo sauce.
• Quick Leftover Remix: Transform remaining pasta into a cold chicken alfredo salad by mixing with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette for a next-day lunch option.

Storing Cajun Chicken Alfredo Leftovers

• Store leftover Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and pasta separate to maintain the best texture and prevent soggy noodles.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Always let the dish cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain food safety. Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

FAQs

• What is blackened seasoning?

A blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme that creates a spicy, intense flavor profile for the chicken.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning or use a mild pre-made blend to lower the heat level while maintaining flavor.

• Do I need a cast-iron skillet for blackening?

While cast-iron is traditional, a heavy-bottomed skillet works well. The key is getting the pan very hot to create that signature dark, crispy exterior on the chicken.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

It’s not inherently gluten-free due to pasta. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your seasoning blend doesn’t contain wheat-based ingredients.

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo brings Louisiana’s bold flavors to creamy pasta perfection. Zesty seasoned chicken and rich alfredo sauce combine in a quick, restaurant-worthy meal that delivers mouthwatering southern comfort right to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Blackened Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano

Protein and Pasta:

• 3 chicken breasts
• 1 pound mafaldine noodles (or fettuccini/linguini)

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1.5 cups shredded parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Flatten chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring uniform cooking. Coat lightly with oil and generously apply Cajun blackening seasoning for robust flavor profile.
2. Heat skillet to medium-high temperature. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes until developing a dark caramelized exterior. Reduce heat, introduce butter and minced garlic, continuing cooking until chicken reaches complete doneness.
3. Without cleaning skillet, create alfredo sauce by melting remaining butter with fresh garlic. Gently pour cream, incorporating seasonings, and allow mixture to simmer and gradually thicken.
4. Simultaneously prepare pasta in salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly tender yet firm. Carefully extract and reserve approximately 1/3 cup starchy cooking liquid.
5. Integrate freshly grated parmesan into sauce until completely melted and smooth. Incorporate reserved pasta water to enhance sauce consistency. Fold pasta into creamy mixture, ensuring thorough coating.
6. Slice chicken diagonally into elegant strips. Artfully arrange atop pasta, creating visually appealing presentation. Garnish with additional parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption from the blackened seasoning.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to achieve the perfect dark amber crust without burning the spices.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and help sauce cling better to noodles.
• Try dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 809
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1083 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 173 mg