Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a rich, flavorful twist on the classic Alfredo pasta. The blackened chicken is perfectly seasoned with smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning, adding depth and heat to the creamy Alfredo sauce. Paired with Mafaldine noodles (or your favorite pasta), this dish is indulgent, comforting, and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal for a weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish delivers on both taste and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold and Flavorful

The blackened Cajun chicken adds a smoky, spicy kick to the creamy Alfredo sauce, making each bite packed with bold, satisfying flavors.

2. Creamy and Comforting

The rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese perfectly complements the spiced chicken and noodles, making it the ultimate comfort food.

3. Easy to Make

This dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, with simple ingredients that come together in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner without compromising on taste.

4. Customizable Spice Level

You can adjust the heat of the Cajun seasoning to suit your preference. If you love spicy food, you can add extra cayenne pepper; if you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the amount of cayenne.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This dish makes excellent leftovers. The flavors deepen and meld together, making it just as delicious the next day. It’s perfect for prepping in advance for busy days.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken:

1 lb Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccini/linguini noodles)
3 chicken breasts
4 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons butter
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1.5 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons blackened seasoning (divided, see recipe below)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots for serving

My Homemade Blackened Seasoning:

2 tablespoons smoked paprika (regular paprika works too)
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
Shrimp Alfredo: Swap the blackened chicken for blackened shrimp for a seafood twist on this dish.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or almond milk and a dairy-free cheese substitute to make the Alfredo sauce dairy-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the Mafaldine noodles (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Blackened Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the blackened seasoning: smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Rub the chicken breasts generously with 2 tablespoons of the blackened seasoning, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Set the remaining seasoning aside for the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice, dark crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Combine the Sauce and Pasta

Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of blackened seasoning. Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until evenly coated.

Step 7: Slice the Chicken and Serve

Slice the blackened chicken breasts into thin strips and arrange them on top of the pasta. Serve the Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Optionally, serve with garlic bread or your favorite side.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: For the juiciest chicken, cook it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
Make the Sauce Creamy: For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a splash of pasta water to the sauce when combining it with the noodles. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Adjust the Heat: If you want a spicier dish, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve this dish immediately after combining the pasta with the sauce. The sauce may thicken as it sits.

How to Serve

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots. A simple side salad or sautéed vegetables would also complement the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little more cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

When reheating, add a small amount of cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce. Heat gently to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute any pasta of your choice, such as fettuccini, linguini, or penne. Mafaldine noodles add a nice texture, but any pasta works well in this dish.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce to the sauce to give it more heat.

3. Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought Cajun seasoning will work just as well as homemade.

4. Can I use heavy cream substitutes?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the sauce, but the texture and richness will be slightly different. Coconut cream is another option for a dairy-free version.

5. Can I make this recipe with shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes! You can swap the blackened chicken for blackened shrimp for a delicious variation of this dish.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. Reheat them together and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

7. How can I make the sauce even creamier?

You can add a little cream cheese or mascarpone cheese to the sauce for an extra creamy texture.

8. Can I use another type of cheese?

Parmesan is essential for the creamy, cheesy sauce, but you can also add other cheeses like Romano or mozzarella for added flavor.

9. How can I reduce the spice level?

If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning or omit it entirely.

10. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and are a bit more flavorful than chicken breasts.

Conclusion

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is the perfect balance of spicy, smoky chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta. This dish is not only flavorful but also comforting and satisfying, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With a simple homemade Cajun seasoning, this recipe can be tailored to suit your spice preference, and it pairs beautifully with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish will quickly become a favorite!