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Blackened chicken alfredo in a skillet with sliced Cajun chicken over creamy fettuccine pasta garnished with fresh parsley

Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Juicy Cajun spice-rubbed chicken and creamy Parmesan fettuccine in one skillet, ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tsp smoked paprika do not substitute with regular paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper up to 1/2 tsp for more heat
  • 8 oz fettuccine
  • 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into 4 fillets and pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced fresh
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk plus 1 tsp cornstarch for lighter option
  • 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese about 2 oz, grated on microplane just before use

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottom skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Microplane or fine grater

Method
 

  1. Remove chicken from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking. Slice each breast horizontally to create 4 fillets. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. Whisk all blackening seasonings together in a small bowl. Reserve 1 tablespoon for the sauce. Season both sides of the chicken fillets with the remaining seasoning and let rest.
  3. Cook fettuccine in heavily salted boiling water until al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes less than the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a drizzle of olive oil. Set aside.
  4. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with the olive oil in a large heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and sizzling, add chicken and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through to 165 degrees F. Transfer to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest at least 5 minutes before slicing. Do not wipe out the skillet.
  5. To the same skillet with drippings, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and reserved 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning. Cook for 3 minutes stirring often to avoid burning the garlic.
  6. Add half the chicken broth to the pan. Whisk remaining broth with cornstarch until smooth and pour into the skillet along with the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan until fully melted and silky, about 2 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth if sauce becomes too thick.
  7. Add cooked fettuccine and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time only if needed. Add sliced chicken and any accumulated juices from the cutting board. Season with salt, pepper, or cayenne to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use smoked paprika only, not regular. Always grate Parmesan fresh for smooth melting. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth. Extra blackening seasoning stores in an airtight jar for up to 6 months and works great on shrimp or salmon.
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