Description
Juicy blackened Cajun-spiced chicken breasts served over creamy garlic Alfredo sauce and tender pasta. A spicy twist on comfort food ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb mafaldine (or fettuccini/linguini) noodles
- 3 chicken breasts
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- 6 Tbsp butter
- 6–8 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 Tbsp blackened/Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots for serving
- Homemade Blackened Seasoning:
- 2 Tbsp smoked paprika (or regular)
- 1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Pound chicken to ¼" thickness, rub with olive oil, and coat each side with about 2–3 Tbsp blackened seasoning.
- Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes until dark golden, flip and reduce heat. Add 2 Tbsp butter and some garlic. Cook another 5–6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest under foil, then slice.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, bring to a gentle boil to thicken, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Reserve ⅓ cup pasta water and drain.
- Stir pasta into Alfredo sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Top with sliced chicken, sprinkle with extra seasoning if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Make seasoning ahead and store for quick use.
- Adjust cayenne for preferred heat level.
- Add cream cheese to sauce for extra richness.
- Reheat leftovers with cream or broth to restore sauce texture.
- Store chicken and pasta separately for best meal prep results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 820
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
