If you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s quick, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy, this Blackened Chicken Alfredo is about to become your new favorite dinner! It’s everything you love about classic Alfredo but with a Cajun-inspired kick—bold spices, juicy blackened chicken, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce.
With tender, smoky chicken seared to perfection and fettuccine coated in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of spice and comfort. The best part? You can have this easy, homemade masterpiece on the table in just 30 minutes!
Whether you’re cooking for family, date night, or just treating yourself, this spicy twist on Alfredo is guaranteed to impress. Pair it with a crisp tomato-cucumber salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies, and you’ve got a meal that’s bursting with flavor.
👉 Ready to dive into a creamy, spicy dream? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Blackened Chicken Alfredo
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, creamy sauces, and easy homemade meals, this Blackened Chicken Alfredo is about to steal the spotlight. Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:
Quick & Easy – Despite its gourmet taste, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the hassle.
Juicy, Flavor-Packed Chicken – The homemade blackening seasoning infuses the chicken with smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, while searing locks in the juices for an ultra-tender bite.
Creamy Alfredo Sauce with a Kick – This isn’t your average Alfredo! The rich Parmesan sauce is infused with Cajun seasoning, fresh garlic, and butter, giving it a depth of flavor you won’t find in store-bought sauces.
Customizable Heat Level – Love it extra spicy? Add more cayenne! Prefer a milder dish? Tone it down. You’re in full control of the heat.
Gourmet Taste on a Budget – Why spend money at a restaurant when you can make a better-tasting version at home for a fraction of the cost?
Perfect for Meal Prep – The flavors only get better with time, making this a great option for leftovers. Meal prep a batch and enjoy throughout the week!
Table of Contents
Recipe Highlights: What Makes This Blackened Chicken Alfredo Special?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this dish truly stand out.
Bold Cajun Flavors – The homemade blackening seasoning gives the chicken a deep, smoky crust with just the right amount of heat. Every bite is packed with spices, herbs, and a hint of smokiness.
Rich & Creamy Alfredo Sauce – Unlike traditional Alfredo, this sauce gets a flavor upgrade with Cajun seasoning, fresh garlic, and a touch of chicken broth. It’s still luxuriously creamy but with extra depth and dimension.
Perfectly Juicy Chicken – Pounding the chicken fillets ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness. A quick pan-sear locks in all those bold flavors and creates a beautiful, charred crust.
⏳ Fast & Easy Prep – With just a few simple steps, you can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes. No complicated techniques—just straightforward, foolproof cooking.
Pairs Well with Anything – Serve it with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies to complete the meal. Want to add a protein twist? Try tossing in shrimp or sausage for even more Cajun goodness.
How to Make Blackened Chicken Alfredo
This Blackened Chicken Alfredo comes together in just a few simple steps! We’ll start by seasoning and searing the chicken, then make the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce before tossing it all together with fettuccine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this bold and creamy dish:
For the Blackened Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into fillets
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ to ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta 🍝
- 4 tbsp butter 🧈 (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth 🍗
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1 tsp cornstarch) 🥛
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken – Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin fillets.
- Season generously – In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne. Coat the chicken evenly on both sides.
- Heat the skillet – Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken – Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until blackened and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
- Rest the chicken – Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil while you prepare the sauce.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add minced garlic and 1 tbsp reserved blackening seasoning, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in half of the chicken broth, then whisk the remaining broth with cornstarch until smooth. Add to the skillet along with the heavy cream.
- Simmer & thicken – Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
4️⃣ Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Slice the rested chicken and arrange it on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately and enjoy this bold, creamy, and spicy delight!
Tips for Success: Perfecting Your Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Want to take your Blackened Chicken Alfredo to the next level? Follow these pro tips for the best results!
Perfecting the Blackened Chicken
Use room-temperature chicken – Cold chicken straight from the fridge won’t cook evenly. Let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
Pat the chicken dry – Excess moisture prevents the seasoning from sticking properly and can cause steaming instead of searing.
✅ Use a hot pan – The skillet should be hot before adding the chicken to create that flavorful blackened crust. If it’s not sizzling right away, wait a few more seconds!
✅ Don’t flip too soon – Let the chicken cook undisturbed for at least 4-5 minutes per side to achieve a crispy, flavorful crust.
✅ Rest the chicken before slicing – Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes keeps it juicy and prevents the juices from running out too quickly.
Mastering the Alfredo Sauce
✅ Freshly grated Parmesan is a must! Pre-packaged shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly. Always grate it fresh for a creamy, lump-free sauce.
✅ Simmer, don’t boil – Overheating the sauce can cause it to separate. Keep the heat on low to medium-low when adding the Parmesan.
✅ Adjust the consistency – If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth to loosen it up.
✅ Enhance the flavor – For extra richness, add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This Blackened Chicken Alfredo is already packed with bold flavors, but you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some fun variations to try!
Switch Up the Protein
Blackened Shrimp Alfredo – Swap the chicken for jumbo shrimp, seasoning and searing them for about 2 minutes per side until cooked through.
Blackened Salmon Alfredo – Use salmon fillets, sear for 4-5 minutes per side, then serve over fettuccine.
Cajun Sausage Alfredo – Add sliced andouille sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned before making the Alfredo sauce.
Vegetarian Alfredo – Skip the meat entirely and load up on mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for a delicious veggie-packed version.
Adjusting the Spice Level
Mild Version – Reduce the cayenne pepper in the blackening seasoning to just a pinch or omit it entirely.
Extra Spicy – Increase the cayenne pepper, add red pepper flakes, or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
Pasta Swaps
Classic fettuccine – Traditional and silky, fettuccine works beautifully with Alfredo sauce.
Penne or rigatoni – Great for catching all that creamy sauce in every bite!
Gluten-free pasta – Use your favorite GF pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
Zucchini noodles (zoodles) – For a low-carb twist, swap the pasta for zoodles or spaghetti squash.
Cheese Lovers’ Upgrades
Add shredded mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
Try a mix of Parmesan + Gouda for a smoky, creamy finish.
Stir in a little cream cheese for an ultra-rich, velvety sauce.
A Bold & Creamy Comfort Dish
This Blackened Chicken Alfredo is the ultimate weeknight indulgence, combining bold Cajun flavors with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re making it for family dinner, date night, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to impress with its juicy blackened chicken, velvety Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
The best part? It’s easy to customize—adjust the spice level, swap the protein, or add veggies to make it your own! With just 30 minutes of cooking time, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste at home for a fraction of the price.
🔥 Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out. Tag us on social media or leave a comment below—we love seeing your delicious creations!
👉 Looking for more pasta inspiration? Check out these other delicious recipes:
🔗 Cajun Shrimp Pasta
🔗 Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake
🔗 Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Happy cooking! 🍽️✨
Blackened Chicken Alfredo
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- whisk
- Tongs
Materials
- For the Blackened Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts cut into fillets
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for spice level
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Sauce:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 4 tbsp butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk + 1 tsp cornstarch
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin fillets.
- In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne. Coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
- Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-low heat.
- Add minced garlic and 1 tbsp reserved blackening seasoning, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in half of the chicken broth, then whisk the remaining broth with cornstarch until smooth. Add to the skillet along with heavy cream.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine & Serve:
- Add cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Slice rested chicken and arrange over the pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions :
What does it mean if chicken is blackened?
Blackened chicken is coated in a bold spice blend and seared in a hot pan with butter or oil, creating a dark, flavorful crust.
Who makes blackened chicken Alfredo?
Many restaurants serve it, including Olive Garden and Cheesecake Factory. You can also find pre-made versions at grocery stores or make it at home.
Can you use dark meat in chicken Alfredo?
Yes! Dark meat (like thighs) adds extra juiciness and flavor, though white meat is more traditional.
What seasoning to use for blackened chicken?
A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper gives it the signature bold flavor.
Is blackened chicken healthier than fried?
Yes, blackened chicken is healthier since it’s not deep-fried and uses less oil, making it lower in fat and calories.
What is blackened seasoning made of?
It typically includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper for a smoky, spicy kick.