Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Introduction
Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a flavorful twist on a classic Italian favorite, combining spicy, smoky chicken with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish is perfect for anyone craving a comforting meal with a bit of a kick.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and blackened on the outside. Remove from heat and slice into strips.
- Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss well to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan or chopped parsley if you like.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the finished dish.
- Swap chicken breasts for shrimp or sausage for a different protein twist.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the Cajun seasoning myself?
Yes, Cajun seasoning typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mixing your own allows you to adjust the spice level to your preference.
What pasta works best for Alfredo sauce?
Fettuccine is the traditional choice, but any long pasta like linguine or even penne can hold the creamy sauce well.
PrintBlackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe
A rich and flavorful Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices, served over creamy homemade Alfredo sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish combines spicy, smoky chicken with a luscious cheese sauce for a comforting and indulgent meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and evenly coat them with Cajun seasoning, pressing gently to adhere the spices well.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and blackened on the outside. Set aside to rest, then slice thinly.
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing well to coat the noodles evenly.
- Combine and serve: Plate the sauced pasta and arrange sliced blackened chicken on top. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smoother and more flavorful sauce.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain juices and tenderness.
- Optionally garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for added freshness.
Keywords: Blackened chicken, Cajun chicken alfredo, creamy alfredo sauce, pasta recipe, spicy chicken pasta
