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This Blackened Chicken Alfredo is the pinnacle of smokey spice and velvety Alfredo sauce fusions; it’s a dish that will warm your heart and make you want more. Did you know that the distinctive charred crust that is so flavorful is made using a method that has its origins in Southern cooking? Your supper dreams will come true when you picture tender, flavorful chicken atop a bed of Parmesan-coated penne pasta. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want to treat yourself or when you want to wow guests. And we’ll show you how easy it is to make this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Let’s delve into the enchantment of perfectly charred chicken and silky pasta!
This Blackened Chicken Alfredo is the pinnacle of smokey spice and velvety Alfredo sauce fusions; it’s a dish that will warm your heart and make you want more. Did you know that the distinctive charred crust that is so flavorful is made using a method that has its origins in Southern cooking? Your supper dreams will come true when you picture tender, flavorful chicken atop a bed of Parmesan-coated penne pasta. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want to treat yourself or when you want to wow guests. And we’ll show you how easy it is to make this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Let’s delve into the enchantment of perfectly charred chicken and silky pasta!
Why Blackened Chicken Alfredo is a Must-Try Dish
Blackened Chicken Alfredo is an experience combining the creamy richness of Italian cuisine with the smokey elegance of Southern cookery, not only a meal. By combining this meal with perfectly seasoned blackened chicken, you will be enhancing your classic Alfredo recipe and balancing strong flavors with smooth pasta.
This dish has something for everyone whether you’re cooking a simple but elegant dinner for guests or an intimate family gathering. It’s especially ideal in the colder months when people want filling, comforting foods. While the blackened chicken gives a smokey, delicious twist sure to wow your taste receptors, the creamy Alfredo sauce clings to every bit of penne. Made easily, absolutely fantastic, and bursting with taste—this is one pasta meal you will find yourself cooking often.
How Blackened Chicken Alfredo Became a Favorite
Pasta night was always a huge deal in my family growing up, but I really started to like cooking only until I came upon Blackened Chicken Alfredo. I still clearly recall the first time I attempted combining creamy Alfredo sauce with blackened chicken’s strong, smoky seasonings. It was like a revelation—a flawless blend of Italian comfort with Southern flair.
Particularly when friends dropped around, this meal soon became a mainstay for special nights. It never fails to wow and is among those dishes that seem decadent but approachable. Every time I travel, I am reminded of the delight of cooking in the kitchen and dining with loved ones.
Quick Blackened Chicken Alfredo with Creamy Sauce
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Southern-inspired ItalianDifficulty: MediumServings
4
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
25
minutesCalories per serving
620
kcalIngredients
- For the Blackened Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- For the Pasta:
8 oz penne pasta
1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
- Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan (optional)
Directions
- Get the Pasta ready.
- Put a big pot of salted water boiling. Cook penne pasta until al dente per package directions. Save ½ cup pasta water; then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken;**
- Dry chicken breasts then drizzle olive oil over them. Evenly over both sides, rub the blackened seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Prepare the chicken by cooking.
- Turn a big skillet's medium-high heat on. Sear the chicken for four to five minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the skillet, let rest for five minutes, then thinly slice.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce.
- Melt butter across medium heat in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sear for one to two minutes till aromatic. Whirl in heavy cream slowly, then gently simmer. Add Parmesan cheese; stirring until melted and smooth. Finish with black pepper and salt.
- Pasta with Sauce: Combine
- Stirring constantly to coat uniformly, toss the cooked penne spaghetti into the Alfredo sauce. Add the reserved pasta water, little at a time, if the sauce is too thick until desired consistency is attained.
- Construct the Dish.
- Top creamy Alfredo spaghetti with sliced blackened chicken. If preferred, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and more Parmesan.
Notes
- For a quick mix, toss 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp thyme, and a little salt.
- Try charred fish or shrimp for a great variety on proteins.
- Leftovers keep best in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. To bring the sauce back to life, gently reheat over low heat adding a splash of milk or cream.
- Customizing the Heat: Match your spicy tolerance with cayenne pepper amounts in the blackened seasoning.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
Serving size 1 plate (approx. 200g)
Calories 620
| Total Fat 25g | 32% |
|---|---|
| Saturated Fat 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 120mg | 40% |
| Sodium 600mg | 26% |
| Total Carbohydrate 40g | 14% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars 3g | |
| Includes Added Sugars 0g | 0% |
| Protein 35g |
| Vitamin D 0.2mcg | 1% |
|---|---|
| Calcium 150mg | 12% |
| Iron 1.5mg | 8% |
| Potassium 350mg | 8% |
FAQ
What is blackened chicken, and how does it differ from regular grilled chicken?
Blackened chicken is supposed to be coated with a very bold smoky spice blend and seared in a hot, skillful skillet. This creates a charred flavor crust, which blackened chicken differs from grilled chicken: Grilled chicken often exhibits smokiness with more neutral flavor compared to a kick of spice and a distinct dark crust. This is best for pairing creamy Alfredo sauce to balance the heat.
Can I substitute an alternate pasta for blackened chicken Alfredo?
Oh, you can! You can certainly make it with any type of pasta you prefer: fettuccine, spaghetti, or gluten-free, just so long as you are not using penne because it holds sauces pretty well within the tubes. Even so, each pasta type has a different texture, so you can use them depending on what you want.
Can you make this lighter or healthier?
Sure! As far as lightening up the recipe is concerned, you can substitute heavy cream with half and half or Greek yogurt. You can also use whole wheat pasta or even zucchini noodles as a healthier base. By reducing the Parmesan slightly and using skinless chicken breasts, you might be able to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
How can I spice up blackened chicken Alfredo?
More heat can be added by simply increasing the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackening seasoning, or adding red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce. You could also add a bit of chili powder to the sauce for heat without altering its creamy texture.
Can I make blackened chicken Alfredo ahead of time?
Yes, although it is best when assembled just prior to serving, almost all dishes can be made ahead of time. Cook and cool the chicken and pasta, and make the sauce. Store each ingredient in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To serve it, simply reheat everything together and add a splash of milk or pasta water to revive the sauce.
What sides can accompany blackened chicken Alfredo?
It is so good that you could eat it plain but it certainly goes a lot further with an accompaniment of nice crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or just some garlic bread; all three types compliment the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully. For a lighter touch, there’s steamed broccoli or asparagus that adds a little fresh green against the richness of pasta.
Make Blackened Chicken Alfredo a Family Favorite
Whether you’re gearing to impress the guests at a dinner party with this or to one make a rather cozy family dinner, this is Blackened Chicken Alfredo recipe that ticks every box. Furthermore, with the possibility of doing substitutions with respect to the type of pasta used or how spicy hot it tends to be, this is a recipe, which is also quite versatile and could be appreciated by just about anyone.
Surely, another recipe that becomes a classic in your home kitchen, always heating again and again, is this one. So go ahead and get ready to roll up those sleeves, take out that skillet, and prepare your mouth for another one that will be just as scrumptious as memorable. Be sure to let others enjoy your success with magic blackened chicken alfredo; they will thank you. Enjoy every creamy, smoky bit!
