Cajun Blackened Chicken Alfredo (Print View)

Spiced blackened chicken atop fettuccine in a creamy Alfredo sauce with herbs and a Cajun twist.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/4 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Pasta

09 - 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
10 - Salt for pasta water

→ Alfredo Sauce

11 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 2 cloves garlic minced
13 - 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
14 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
16 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
17 - Pinch of nutmeg optional

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
19 - Additional Parmesan for serving

# How to Make:

01 - Cook fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
02 - Pat chicken breasts completely dry. Mix Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub spice mixture evenly over all surfaces of the chicken.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in pan and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until deeply browned and blackened in spots. Internal temperature should reach 165°F. Rest on a plate for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
04 - Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
05 - Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
06 - Add drained pasta to the saucepan, tossing thoroughly to coat. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
07 - Divide pasta among serving plates. Arrange sliced blackened chicken on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The spicy crust on the chicken creates incredible texture contrast against the silky Alfredo sauce
  • Everything comes together in under 45 minutes but tastes like a restaurant quality dinner
  • The Cajun seasoning transforms a basic pasta into something people will ask you to make again and again
02 -
  • That dark crust on the chicken is not burnt it is the caramelized spice blend creating the signature blackened effect
  • Reserving pasta water is non negotiable because the starch helps bind the sauce to the noodles
  • Alfredo sauces will seize up if the heat is too high so keep it at a gentle simmer
03 -
  • Turn on your exhaust fan and open a window before searing the chicken because the spices will smoke
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one for the most impressive blackened crust

Go Back