Blackened Chicken Alfredo: A Bold, Creamy, Flavor-Packed Pasta

If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and comforting, Blackened Chicken Alfredo is the perfect dinner solution. This dish combines tender, spicy blackened chicken breasts with a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce over fettuccine — giving you a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe delivers big flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients. It’s where Cajun spice meets Italian indulgence — and it just works.

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Why You’ll Love This Blackened Chicken Alfredo

🔥 Bold Cajun seasoning on juicy chicken breasts
🍝 Creamy, cheesy homemade Alfredo sauce
⏱️ Ready in 30–35 minutes — perfect for busy nights
🍴 One skillet for chicken and sauce = easy cleanup
🥘 Elegant enough for date night, easy enough for weeknight
🧄 Comfort food with a kick that’s fully customizable

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What Is Blackened Chicken Alfredo?

Blackened Chicken Alfredo is a flavorful twist on traditional Fettuccine Alfredo. Instead of a plain protein, the chicken is seasoned with a Cajun-inspired blackening spice rub and seared to form a flavorful crust. It’s then served over pasta coated in a creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, garlic, Parmesan, and cream.

The combination of creamy and spicy is comforting yet exciting — the perfect balance of richness and heat.

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Ingredients for Blackened Chicken Alfredo

You’ll need just a handful of pantry and fridge staples for this easy meal:

🍗 For the Blackened Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp blackening seasoning (store-bought or homemade – see below)

🌶️ Homemade Blackening Seasoning (Optional):

• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp thyme
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

🥣 For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 ¼ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a pinch of nutmeg for depth

🍝 For the Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
• Salted water for boiling
• Optional: Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish

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How to Make Blackened Chicken Alfredo

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the fettuccine until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes).
• Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then set pasta aside.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and slice them in half horizontally if thick (optional for faster cooking).
2. Rub each piece with olive oil, then coat generously with blackening seasoning on all sides.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until a deep crust forms and chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temp).
4. Transfer to a plate and let rest while you make the sauce.

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Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet (wipe if needed), lower heat to medium and melt the butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in grated Parmesan, season with salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg.
5. Let the sauce simmer gently until creamy and smooth. If too thick, thin with a bit of reserved pasta water.

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Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add the drained pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat thoroughly.
2. Slice the rested blackened chicken into strips.
3. Serve pasta in bowls or on plates, topped with the sliced chicken.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

🕒 Make Ahead:

• You can prep the chicken seasoning and grate the cheese in advance.
• Cooked chicken can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.

🧊 Leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🔁 Reheat:

• Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.

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What to Serve with Blackened Chicken Alfredo

🫓 Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
🥗 Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette
🥦 Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini
🍷 A glass of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light Pinot Noir

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Recipe Variations

🌶️ Spicier version – Add more cayenne or sliced jalapeños
🥓 Add bacon – Crisp bacon pairs beautifully with Alfredo
🧄 Roasted garlic – Add roasted garlic to the sauce for deeper flavor
🥬 Spinach Alfredo – Stir in baby spinach right before serving
🦐 Blackened shrimp Alfredo – Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood version
🧀 Extra cheesy – Mix in mozzarella or Fontina for creamier sauce

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Nutrition Info (Per Serving – 4 servings total)

• Calories: ~680–750
• Protein: 40–45g
• Fat: 38g
• Carbs: 45–50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: ~700mg

🧮 Values vary based on pasta type, cream used, and cheese quantity.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Balanced flavors — creamy meets spicy for satisfying contrast
✅ Simple ingredients, big results
✅ Restaurant-style dish at home for a fraction of the cost
✅ Easy to adjust heat levels
✅ Impressive presentation with minimal effort

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “blackened” mean in cooking?

“Blackened” refers to a Cajun-style method where meat is coated in a spice rub and seared at high heat to create a dark, flavorful crust. It doesn’t mean burnt — the char enhances the taste.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

For authentic Alfredo texture, heavy cream is best. You can sub with half-and-half or whole milk, but it will be thinner.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your blackening seasoning and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.

Is this spicy?

It has a mild kick. To reduce heat, cut back on cayenne. For more spice, add crushed red pepper or extra Cajun seasoning.

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Final Thoughts: The Best of Both Worlds in One Bowl

Blackened Chicken Alfredo brings the best of bold Southern spice and rich Italian comfort together in one unforgettable dish. With tender, flavorful chicken and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce tossed with pasta, it’s everything you want in a cozy, indulgent meal.

Whether you’re serving it for date night, a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Make it once, and it’ll become a new classic in your kitchen.

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