Description
A creamy and spicy Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccine/linguine noodles)
- 3 chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6–8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1.5 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons blackened seasoning (divided)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: garlic bread (Texas toast, or garlic knots for serving)
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (regular paprika can also be used)
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Pound the chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness, then coat both sides with olive oil and season with 2-3 tablespoons of blackened seasoning.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, then add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes until dark amber in color.
- Flip the chicken, reduce heat to low, and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
- Let the garlic butter melt into the chicken while it cooks for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken and tent it with foil to rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add the remaining butter and let it melt.
- Stir in the remaining garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add 2-3 teaspoons of blackened seasoning.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the noodles to al dente in a separate pot, reserving 1/3 cup of pasta water.
- After the sauce thickens, stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and mix well.
- Top with sliced chicken and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning before serving.
Notes
For a healthier twist, use whole wheat pasta and substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk. Consider adding fresh spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken, Alfredo, Pasta, Weeknight Dinner, Spicy