Blackened Chicken Alfredo is a rich and flavorful twist on the classic creamy pasta dish. This recipe combines perfectly seasoned, spicy blackened chicken breasts with a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce that clings beautifully to tender mafaldine noodles. The bold blackened seasoning, featuring smoked paprika, cayenne, and aromatic herbs, adds a smoky heat that contrasts perfectly with the smooth and cheesy cream sauce. It’s an irresistible comfort meal that feels both elegant and satisfying.

Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish brings together simple ingredients with intense flavors. The homemade blackened seasoning allows you to customize the spice level and depth of flavor to your liking, while the creamy Alfredo sauce made with real butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese keeps every bite rich and indulgent. The mafaldine noodles, or any wide, flat pasta like fettuccine or linguini, are ideal for capturing the sauce and delivering a perfect mouthfeel.

This recipe is approachable for cooks of all skill levels, requiring just a few steps but delivering a restaurant-quality meal. Serve it with garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots to soak up the extra sauce for a complete and satisfying dinner everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, Spicy Flavor

The blackened chicken adds a smoky, spicy kick that elevates traditional Alfredo pasta.

Creamy, Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Rich, buttery, and loaded with garlic and parmesan for that perfect comfort food experience.

Easy to Customize

Adjust the heat in the blackened seasoning to suit your taste or swap pasta types based on preference.

Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Ready in under an hour, it’s a quick, satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Crowd-Pleasing

Impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for a family meal, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccine/linguini noodles)
Chicken breasts
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic cloves, minced
Heavy whipping cream
Shredded parmesan cheese
Blackened seasoning (recipe below)
Salt and pepper
Optional: garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots for serving

Homemade Blackened Seasoning

Smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Cayenne pepper
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Ground black pepper
Salt
Dried thyme
Dried oregano

Variations

Mild Version: Reduce cayenne pepper to lessen the heat for a milder blackened chicken.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead.
Cheese Variety: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or asiago with the parmesan for a richer sauce.
Lighter Cream: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Different Pasta: Use penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preference.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Blackened Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, thyme, and oregano. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of the blackened seasoning.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and blackened. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook mafaldine noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and remaining blackened seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Combine

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Slice the rested chicken and arrange over the pasta.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately with optional garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better crust formation.
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best sauce texture and flavor.
Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
Stir the sauce continuously to prevent it from burning or separating.
Adjust seasoning gradually—blackened seasoning can be quite bold.

How to Serve

Serve Blackened Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with a crisp green salad and your favorite garlic bread or knots for a balanced meal. The creamy sauce and spicy chicken combine for a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful, perfect for dinner parties or family meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked pasta and chicken separately, wrapped tightly, for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. What can I substitute for mafaldine noodles?

Fettuccine, linguini, or any flat pasta works well.

2. How spicy is the blackened seasoning?

It has a moderate heat level; reduce cayenne for less spice.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but seasoning it fresh will give better flavor.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

It’s best made fresh but can be reheated gently with added cream.

5. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner.

6. How do I get the chicken blackened properly?

Cook over medium-high heat and avoid moving the chicken too much for a good crust.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not with traditional pasta, but gluten-free pasta can be used.

8. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers complement the dish.

9. How long can leftovers be stored?

Up to 3 days refrigerated.

10. Can I freeze the entire dish after cooking?

It’s better to freeze chicken and pasta separately for best texture.

Conclusion

Blackened Chicken Alfredo is a delicious and easy way to spice up traditional Alfredo pasta. With smoky, spicy chicken paired with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce and tender noodles, it strikes the perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting textures. This recipe is simple to prepare but feels special enough for entertaining or a cozy night in. Try it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal made right at home.