If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish, Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is the perfect recipe to try. This hearty pasta dish features tender chicken breasts coated with homemade blackened seasoning, pan-seared to perfection, and then served over a bed of mafaldine noodles. The homemade alfredo sauce, made with heavy cream and parmesan cheese, is the perfect complement to the bold, spicy flavors of the chicken. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or looking to impress guests, this dish is sure to deliver a mouthwatering experience.

The combination of the blackened Cajun seasoning and the creamy alfredo sauce creates a balance of spice and richness that is simply irresistible. The dish is a one-pan wonder that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or garlic knots to complete this indulgent meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the rich flavors of Cajun seasoning with the creamy goodness of alfredo sauce. It’s a perfect fusion of bold spices and comfort food. The homemade blackened seasoning adds a punch of flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy, while the creamy alfredo sauce provides the perfect balance. This recipe is customizable, allowing you to adjust the heat level based on your preferences.

This recipe is also incredibly satisfying, offering both protein and carbs in a single dish. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that doesn’t require much prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy classic Cajun flavors in a creamy pasta dish.

Ingredients

For the Blackened Cajun Chicken:

Chicken breasts
Olive oil
Blackened seasoning (smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, ground black pepper, salt, dried thyme, dried oregano)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce:

Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccini/linguini noodles)
Butter
Garlic, minced
Heavy whipping cream
Shredded parmesan cheese

Optional for Serving:

Garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and substitute with grilled vegetables or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning for more or less heat. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the alfredo sauce for extra spice.
Different Pasta: While mafaldine noodles are used here, you can substitute them with fettuccini, linguini, or any pasta of your choice.
Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, you can use zucchini noodles or other vegetable-based pasta alternatives instead of traditional noodles.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Blackened Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, ground black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with the blackened seasoning mix. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the mafaldine noodles (or pasta of your choice) according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later if needed.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the heavy whipping cream and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, stir in the parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

To serve, place a generous portion of the creamy pasta on each plate. Top with the sliced blackened chicken and garnish with additional parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with garlic bread or garlic knots on the side for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking it. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Make Your Own Blackened Seasoning: The homemade blackened seasoning adds so much flavor, but feel free to adjust the spice levels based on your preferences.
Adjust the Cream Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. For a lighter version, reduce the cream and increase the amount of chicken broth.
Save the Pasta Water: If the sauce becomes too thick, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water will help thin it out and give the sauce a silkier texture.

How to Serve

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with side dishes:

Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy loaf of garlic bread is the ideal accompaniment to soak up the creamy sauce.
Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the pasta.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make a great, healthy side to this hearty dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the chicken and pasta with sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave the pasta in a covered dish, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fettuccini, linguini, or any other pasta you prefer. Mafaldine is ideal, but it’s not essential.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can make the pasta and alfredo sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving. However, it’s best to cook the chicken fresh to preserve its flavor and texture.

3. How spicy is the blackened seasoning?

The blackened seasoning in this recipe adds a mild to medium heat. If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or skip it altogether.

4. Can I use store-bought blackened seasoning?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made blackened seasoning from the store. However, homemade seasoning gives the dish a more customized flavor.

5. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

While heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy, you can substitute milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels on the seasoning and sauces.

8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts and will add extra juiciness to the dish.

9. Can I use a different cheese for the alfredo sauce?

You can substitute the parmesan with other cheeses like Romano or Asiago for a different flavor, but parmesan is the most traditional choice.

10. Can I serve this with a side of salad?

Absolutely! A fresh green salad with a tangy dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo.

Conclusion

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food, with its creamy sauce, flavorful blackened chicken, and tender pasta. It’s a perfect blend of bold Cajun spices and rich, decadent sauce that will leave you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe will impress your family and friends.