Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Sizzling Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe for Spice Lovers

Mastering a bold and spicy blackened cajun chicken alfredo requires some culinary magic that transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary meal.

Creamy sauce meets fiery seasonings in this mouthwatering combination.

Louisiana-style spices dance across tender chicken pieces, creating layers of intense flavor.

My kitchen always comes alive when these ingredients start sizzling together.

Robust and zesty, this recipe promises to kick your dinner routine into high gear.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between heat and rich, velvety alfredo sauce.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious moment of this incredible dish.

What Makes Cajun Alfredo So Craveable

  • Blast your taste buds with the bold, zesty Cajun seasoning that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion.
  • Easily create a restaurant-quality dish at home with simple cooking techniques that make you feel like a professional chef.
  • Enjoy a creamy, indulgent Alfredo pasta that gets a spicy makeover with the blackened Cajun chicken, perfect for satisfying serious comfort food cravings.
  • Minimize kitchen cleanup with this efficient recipe that uses the same skillet for cooking chicken and creating the silky smooth Alfredo sauce.

Ingredients For Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that serves as the star protein of the dish.
Seasoning:
  • Cajun Seasoning: Spicy blend that gives the chicken its signature blackened flavor.
Pasta:
  • Fettuccine: Classic Italian pasta that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce base.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a silky, luxurious texture for the Alfredo sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
Oil and Liquid:
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding subtle flavor.
  • Pasta Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds color and fresh herb notes.

How To Make Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Season The Chicken

Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels.

Cover both sides of the chicken thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring total coverage.

Step 2: Boil The Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

Bring water to rolling boil.

Drop fettuccine into boiling water and cook according to package guidance until pasta reaches al dente texture.

Drain pasta carefully while reserving half cup of cooking water.

Set pasta aside.

Step 3: Blacken The Chicken

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high temperature.

Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into hot pan.

Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until chicken develops dark crispy exterior and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Remove chicken from skillet and allow meat to rest momentarily before cutting into strips.

Step 4: Create Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Reduce skillet heat to medium.

Add butter and allow complete melting.

Introduce minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Pour heavy cream into pan and bring to gentle simmer.

Slowly incorporate Parmesan cheese while continuously stirring until sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Transfer cooked pasta into skillet containing Alfredo sauce.

Gently toss pasta until each strand becomes completely coated with creamy sauce.

Step 6: Plate And Garnish

Distribute pasta among serving dishes.

Arrange sliced blackened chicken on top of pasta.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 7: Savor The Meal

Serve immediately and enjoy your delectable Cajun chicken Alfredo creation.

Cooking Tips For Creamy Alfredo With Heat

  • Pat chicken dry before applying Cajun spices to ensure maximum flavor adherence and perfect crispy exterior.
  • Add Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy Alfredo sauce without clumping.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity based on personal heat preference – start with less and sprinkle more if desired.
  • Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, juicy chicken without overcooking.
  • Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to thin out thick Alfredo sauce, creating ideal creamy texture without losing flavor.

Storage And Reheat Guide For Cajun Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer the chicken and pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate chicken and sauce for better preservation.
  • Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce's consistency.

Pairing Options For Cajun Alfredo Meals

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and complement the spicy Cajun chicken.
  • Craft Beer Match: Choose a hoppy American Pale Ale or an amber beer with enough maltiness to balance the dish's intense flavors and stand up to the blackened spices.
  • Refreshing Cocktail Companion: Mix a citrusy margarita or a zesty gin and tonic to provide a bright, tangy contrast against the heavy, creamy pasta and spicy chicken.
  • Side Salad Suggestion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add freshness and help cleanse the palate between rich, spicy bites of Cajun chicken Alfredo.

Cajun Alfredo Versions You Should Try

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional fettuccine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the rich, creamy flavor profile of the dish.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative to create a lactose-free version of the Alfredo sauce.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives seasoned with Cajun spices for a meat-free protein option that maintains the dish's signature spicy character.

FAQs

  • What is Cajun seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper, and oregano. It adds bold, zesty flavor and heat to dishes, originating from Louisiana cuisine.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should look golden brown and blackened on the outside, with no pink meat inside.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

While fettuccine works best for traditional Alfredo, you can substitute with linguine, penne, or any pasta you prefer. Wider, flatter noodles typically hold creamy sauces better.

  • What if my Alfredo sauce is too thick?

Add reserved pasta water gradually, stirring until you reach the desired sauce consistency. The starchy water helps thin the sauce without diluting its rich, creamy flavor.

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Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Savor Louisiana’s spicy blackened Cajun chicken alfredo, a culinary masterpiece blending bold Creole seasonings with creamy pasta. Passionate home chefs can quickly craft this restaurant-quality dish that promises a sizzling journey through Southern comfort flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Cooking Fat:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Pasta:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • Salt for pasta water

Garnish (Optional):

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken by patting breasts dry with paper towels and generously coating both sides with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil for cooking chicken until beautifully blackened, approximately 5-7 minutes per side, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  3. While chicken rests, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook fettuccine until perfectly al dente, then drain while reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  4. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, creating a fragrant base for the Alfredo sauce.
  5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing it to gently simmer, then gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
  6. Slice the rested chicken into tender strips, maintaining the crispy Cajun-seasoned exterior.
  7. Combine cooked pasta with the creamy Alfredo sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is luxuriously coated.
  8. Plate the sauced pasta and crown with the blackened Cajun chicken strips, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dish.
  9. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for a vibrant, restaurant-quality presentation.

Notes

  • Gently pat chicken dry to ensure the Cajun seasoning adheres perfectly and creates a crispy exterior.
  • Select a high-quality Cajun seasoning blend or create your own mix for personalized heat and flavor intensity.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute regular fettuccine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to maintain the dish’s delicious profile.
  • Keep the chicken’s internal temperature precisely at 165°F to guarantee food safety while maintaining juicy, tender meat texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 860
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 56g
  • Saturated Fat: 29g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 41g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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