Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Name: Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb. Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccini/linguini); 3 chicken breasts; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 6 tablespoons butter; 6-8 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1.5 cups shredded parmesan cheese; 4 tablespoons blackened seasoning

Published: August 24, 2025

by Saphira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
Bursting with Flavor: The blackened seasoning adds a delightful kick to the tender chicken.
Creamy Comfort: The alfredo sauce is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a romantic dinner or serve it at family gatherings.
Perfect Pairing: Serve with garlic bread or knots for a complete meal experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following essential tools. Each tool plays a vital role in ensuring your Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet
Pasta pot
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken and creates a delicious fond for your sauce.
Pasta Pot: A large pot ensures your noodles cook evenly without sticking together.
Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the chicken easy and safe.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo:

For the Pasta

1 lb. Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccini/linguini noodles)

For the Chicken

3 chicken breasts
4 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

6 tablespoons butter
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1.5 cups shredded parmesan cheese

For Seasoning

4 tablespoons blackened seasoning, divided (recipe below)
Salt and pepper

Optional Sides

Garlic bread, Texas toast or garlic knots for serving

Blackened Seasoning Ingredients

2 tablespoons smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

How to Make Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound chicken to an even 1/4 inch thickness. Rub them with olive oil and season liberally on both sides with about 2-3 tablespoons of blackened seasoning.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes until it has a dark amber coloring on one side.

Step 3: Finish Cooking the Chicken

Flip the chicken just once. Reduce heat to low. Add 2 tablespoons of butter along with 2 teaspoons of minced garlic into the skillet. Let the garlic butter melt into the chicken while it finishes cooking for about 5-6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate covered loosely with foil to rest before slicing.

Step 5: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet over medium heat, melt remaining butter. Add in rest of minced garlic; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6: Add Cream and Seasoning

Stir in heavy cream along with 2-3 teaspoons of blackened seasoning. Bring mixture to a low boil over simmer; allow it to thicken for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Cook Noodles

While sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving about 1/3 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add parmesan cheese into alfredo sauce; stir until melted. Taste sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9: Final Mix

Pour reserved pasta water into alfredo sauce; stir well. Add cooked noodles into the saucepan, mix everything together gently, then top with sliced chicken. Optionally sprinkle some cajun seasoning on top before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo as an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Serving Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dish.

Pair with Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic choice that complements the creamy alfredo sauce. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up any leftover sauce.

Add a Side Salad

A fresh side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the alfredo. Consider adding cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for extra crunch.

Serve with Steamed Vegetables

Steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients. They provide a healthy contrast to the rich pasta dish.

Use as a Filling for Wraps

Leftover Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo can be wrapped in tortillas for a quick lunch option. Simply add some lettuce or spinach for freshness.

How to Perfect Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

To ensure your Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chicken and fresh garlic will enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
Control the Heat: Cooking at medium-high heat helps achieve that perfect blackened crust on the chicken without burning it.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allowing your alfredo sauce to simmer will help it thicken properly, creating a rich texture.
Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce before serving, adjusting seasonings to suit your preferences.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce and noodles together, making for a creamier finish.
Rest Your Chicken: Letting your blackened chicken rest before slicing ensures it remains juicy and tender.

Best Side Dishes for Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Pairing side dishes with Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo enhances your meal’s flavor profile. Here are some great options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic offer comfort and balance to the spicy flavors.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan and croutons adds crunch and freshness to counteract the richness.
Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus provides a tasty, healthy side that complements the main dish.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings a delightful contrast in flavor and texture; consider grilling it for extra smokiness.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella makes for a refreshing appetizer before your meal.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the creamy pasta beautifully.
Fried Green Tomatoes: This Southern classic offers a crispy texture and slight tartness that pairs well with creamy dishes like alfredo.
Baked Zucchini Fries: Healthy baked zucchini fries are a fun finger food option that kids and adults will love alike.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo, there are a few common mistakes that can hinder your dish. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.

Skipping the seasoning: Not using enough blackened seasoning on the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with the seasoning for a more robust taste.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees and let it rest before slicing.
Forgetting to reserve pasta water: Skipping this step can result in a thicker sauce that doesn’t coat the noodles properly. Always save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Not adjusting sauce thickness: If your alfredo sauce is too thick, it won’t adhere well to the pasta. Use reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess.
Ignoring garlic’s timing: Adding garlic too early can cause it to burn, resulting in a bitter taste. Sauté garlic just until fragrant for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Let the dish cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
To avoid freezer burn, ensure it’s tightly sealed and labeled with the date.

Reheating Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in increments of 1–2 minutes, stirring between, until hot throughout.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While mafaldine is delicious, you can also use fettuccini or linguini for this recipe.

What can I serve with Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo?

Garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots make excellent sides that complement this dish perfectly.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu seasoned with cajun spices instead.

Final Thoughts

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Try this recipe today; it’s sure to impress family and friends!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card