Blackened Chicken Alfredo Recipe with Zesty Kick

Whipping up a mouthwatering blackened chicken alfredo promises culinary magic that will make your taste buds dance.

Spicy seasoned chicken creates a bold contrast against creamy pasta.

Weeknight dinners never looked so exciting or felt so simple to prepare.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky heat and rich, velvety sauce.

Mediterranean herbs and carefully selected spices take this classic dish to new heights.

Crispy exterior and tender meat guarantee a memorable meal everyone will request again.

Dive into this restaurant-quality recipe that brings gourmet flavors straight to your kitchen.

What Goes into Blackened Chicken Alfredo

• Chicken Breasts: Super tender meat that absorbs spices perfectly, lean protein choice works best when fresh and boneless.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Oregano, Cayenne, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spice mixture creating bold, zesty flavor profile with nice heat and depth.

• Fettuccine: Traditional wide pasta that holds creamy sauce beautifully, classic choice for rich Alfredo dishes.

• Butter, Heavy Cream: Rich dairy base creating smooth, luxurious sauce texture with deep flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that melts into sauce providing authentic Italian character.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient adding deep savory undertone to sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for those wanting extra heat kick.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb adding color and fresh herbal note.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: Additional cheese sprinkle for extra flavor and presentation.

• Olive Oil: High-heat cooking oil for searing chicken with nice flavor.
• Salted Water: Essential for perfectly cooking pasta with seasoned base.

Making Creamy and Spicy Alfredo Step by Step

Step 1: Create Spice Blend

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine all spices in a small bowl, creating a robust seasoning mix for the chicken.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Generously coat chicken with the spice blend, ensuring complete coverage on both sides. Press seasonings into the meat to maximize flavor absorption.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice chicken thinly against the grain.

Step 4: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Craft Alfredo Sauce

• Melt butter
• Add minced garlic
• Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant
• Pour in heavy cream
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes
• Stir in Parmesan cheese
• Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes

Continue simmering until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked fettuccine into the Alfredo sauce, ensuring each noodle is fully coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Layer sliced blackened chicken over the sauced pasta. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Tips for Juicier Chicken and Richer Sauce

• Blacken Like a Pro: Use cast iron skillet for an authentic, crispy spice crust that locks in maximum flavor during chicken searing.
• Sauce Rescue Technique: If Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, gradually whisk in small amounts of pasta water to restore perfect creamy consistency.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to personalize heat – less for mild, more for bold spice lovers seeking extra kick.
• Pasta Perfect Trick: Cook fettuccine exactly al dente to prevent mushiness and ensure ideal texture when mixed with rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Meal Prep Magic: Blackened chicken can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, making this recipe super convenient for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch prep.

Leftover Storage Tips for Blackened Chicken Alfredo

• Store leftover blackened chicken Alfredo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Carefully transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, where the dish will maintain quality for up to 2 months, separating sauce and chicken if possible.
• Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce's creamy texture and prevent drying.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly and maintain the pasta's moisture, ensuring the chicken doesn't become tough.

Pairings That Match the Boldness of Blackened Alfredo

• Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the spicy blackened chicken's intense flavors and cut through the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Create a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish, adding fresh, tangy notes that cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra Alfredo sauce, providing a crunchy texture contrast and enhancing the overall garlicky flavor profile of the meal.
• Pour a cold, crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light beer to cool down the spicy blackened chicken and refresh the taste buds with its clean, zesty character.

Add-Ins and Twists for Your Alfredo Dinner

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional fettuccine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to create a celiac-safe version without compromising flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, maintaining the creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant diets.
• Protein Power Option: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or plant-based protein like seared tofu, seasoned with the same blackening spice mix for a versatile meal that suits vegetarian preferences.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, keeping the rich blackened spices and creamy sauce for a keto-friendly adaptation that cuts down on carbohydrates.

Answers to Blackened Chicken Alfredo Questions

• What is blackening in cooking?

Blackening is a cooking technique where meat is coated with spices and seared at high heat, creating a dark, flavorful crust that seals in the chicken’s moisture and adds intense spice flavor.

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Chicken breasts work best for this recipe, as they are lean and cook evenly. Thighs can be used but might require slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content.

• How spicy is this blackened chicken?

The spice level is medium, with cayenne pepper providing a mild heat. You can adjust the cayenne amount to make it milder or hotter according to your preference.

• Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less creamy. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo Is Big on Flavor

• Transform a simple chicken pasta into a restaurant-worthy meal with bold, spicy blackened seasoning that takes minimal effort.
• Prepare this entire dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families wanting a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to dial up or tone down the heat, allowing personalization for different spice tolerances while maintaining the signature blackened chicken taste.
• Recreate a gourmet pasta experience without expensive dining out, using basic pantry ingredients and simple cooking techniques that deliver maximum flavor and impressive presentation.

Blackened Chicken Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy blackened chicken alfredo delivers a spicy southern charm with pasta swirled in rich parmesan sauce. Fiery seasoned chicken and silky noodles promise a restaurant-quality meal that satisfies deep comfort food cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 12 ounces (340 grams) fettuccine
• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty spice blend by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage on all surfaces.
3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking environment.
4. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Transfer cooked chicken to a resting surface, allowing juices to redistribute for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
6. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil.
7. Submerge fettuccine into the boiling water, cooking until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
8. Drain pasta thoroughly, reserving it for the upcoming sauce combination.
9. Using the same skillet from the chicken, melt butter over medium heat, creating a rich cooking base.
10. Quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
11. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to simmer gently while stirring consistently.
12. Introduce Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the cream mixture.
13. Continue simmering the sauce, stirring until it thickens to a luxurious consistency.
14. Carefully fold the cooked fettuccine into the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated.
15. Artfully arrange the thinly sliced blackened chicken atop the sauced pasta.
16. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese.
17. Serve the blackened chicken Alfredo immediately, while the flavors are at their peak.

Notes

• Spice Customization: Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spice level that suits your palate.
• Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or portobello mushrooms for diverse dietary preferences while maintaining the blackened seasoning technique.
• Sauce Consistency: Watch the Alfredo sauce carefully to prevent separation by maintaining medium heat and stirring consistently during cheese incorporation.
• Healthier Modifications: Use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories without compromising the creamy texture of the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 134
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg