Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

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Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a bold, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that combines smoky, spice-rubbed chicken with a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. The Cajun seasoning adds a perfect kick to the juicy, pan-seared chicken, while the buttery, garlicky sauce coats every strand of pasta in indulgent creaminess. A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs ties everything together, making this dish irresistibly satisfying.

The first time I made this, I wanted a comforting pasta dish with a little heat, and it turned out even better than I imagined. The chicken had a beautifully charred crust that sealed in all the juices, while the creamy Alfredo sauce balanced out the spice with its smooth, cheesy richness. Every forkful was packed with bold Cajun flavor and creamy goodness—pure comfort food at its best!

What I love about Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is how it brings together the best of both worlds—spicy, smoky flavors and indulgent, creamy pasta. Whether served for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to be a showstopper that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Special occasions
Comfort food lovers
Spicy food enthusiasts
Pasta night with a twist

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo will be your new favorite pasta dish:

Bold Cajun Flavor: A blend of smoky, spicy seasonings enhances the chicken with a mouthwatering crust.
Creamy, Rich Sauce: The homemade Alfredo sauce is smooth, velvety, and perfectly coats the pasta.
Juicy, Blackened Chicken: High-heat searing locks in moisture and creates an irresistible char.
Perfect Balance of Spice and Creaminess: The heat from the Cajun seasoning is tempered by the buttery sauce.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy an elevated dish without the expensive price tag.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Versatile Protein Options: Substitute shrimp or salmon for a seafood variation.
Great for Meal Prep: Store leftovers for a delicious next-day meal.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred heat level.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: A hit with both spice lovers and creamy pasta fans alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 700-800 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 60g, Fat: 35g

Ingredients

For the Blackened Cajun Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

the Alfredo Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta:

12 oz fettuccine pasta
1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
¼ cup reserved pasta water

Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Highlights

Cajun Seasoning: Adds a bold, smoky spice to the chicken.
Heavy Cream: Ensures a rich and velvety Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty, salty depth to the sauce.
Smoked Paprika: Enhances the blackened crust on the chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Blackened Chicken:

Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
Sear the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Cook the Pasta:

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook the Pasta: Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

Melt Butter: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Melt Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Adjust Consistency: Stir in reserved pasta water to reach the desired sauce thickness.

Assemble the Dish:

Toss the Pasta: Add cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss until well coated.
Slice the Chicken: Cut the rested blackened chicken into thin slices.
Plate and Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, top with sliced blackened chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo:

Classic Presentation: Serve on a large plate with extra Parmesan cheese.
With Garlic Bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread for a perfect side.
With a Side Salad: Serve with a crisp Caesar or garden salad.
With Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted bell peppers or asparagus for extra nutrition.
With a Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the dish.
For a Spicy Kick: Drizzle with hot sauce or add extra Cajun seasoning.
As a Meal Prep Option: Store in airtight containers for lunch the next day.
With Zoodles: Substitute zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
With Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood alternative.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcook Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure it stays juicy.
Stir Sauce Constantly: Prevents the Alfredo from separating or becoming grainy.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
Control the Spice: Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
Reheat Gently: Warm leftovers over low heat with a splash of milk or cream.

Recipe Variations

Seafood Alfredo: Use blackened shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a nutrient boost.
Spicy Alfredo: Mix a teaspoon of hot sauce into the sauce for an extra kick.
Beef Bacon Lovers: Add crispy beef bacon bits for extra flavor.

Special Equipment

Cast-iron skillet – Essential for achieving a proper blackened crust on the chicken.
Heavy-bottomed saucepan – Ideal for making a smooth and creamy Alfredo sauce.
Mortar and pestle – Helps grind fresh spices for a more intense Cajun flavor.
Microplane grater – Perfect for finely grating Parmesan cheese for the sauce.
Tongs – Makes flipping the chicken easier while searing.
Fine-mesh strainer – Useful for straining the Alfredo sauce to ensure a silky texture.
Pasta pot with strainer insert – Simplifies draining the fettuccine.
Immersion blender – Helps blend Alfredo sauce for extra smoothness (optional).
Meat thermometer – Ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature (165°F/74°C).
Wooden spoon – Prevents scratching nonstick surfaces while stirring the sauce.

FAQ Section

What is Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo?
Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a creamy pasta dish featuring fettuccine coated in a rich Alfredo sauce, topped with spicy blackened Cajun-seasoned chicken.
How do you blacken chicken?
To blacken chicken, coat it in a blend of Cajun spices, then sear it in a hot cast-iron skillet with butter or oil until the outside is dark and flavorful.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine is the classic choice, but you can also use penne, linguine, or spaghetti for a different texture.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version to control the spice level.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a bit of flour, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew milk.
Can I make Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, store the sauce and pasta separately to prevent the noodles from soaking up too much sauce.
What protein alternatives can I use instead of chicken?
Shrimp, salmon, or even tofu can be used for a delicious variation of this dish.
What sides pair well with this meal?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are great side options to complement the rich flavors.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning is free from gluten-containing additives.

Conclusion

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a bold and creamy dish that brings together smoky, spice-rubbed chicken with a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. The perfectly seasoned chicken, pan-seared to create a flavorful crust, pairs beautifully with tender pasta coated in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Every bite is packed with warmth, spice, and indulgent comfort.

Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Add roasted bell peppers for sweetness, a dash of cayenne for extra heat, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. However you serve it, this Cajun-inspired pasta is sure to be a new favorite!

I can’t wait to see how your Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!