Description
Culinary magic blooms with this blackened chicken alfredo, blending bold Cajun spices and creamy pasta perfection. Rich, smoky flavors dance alongside silky sauce, promising a restaurant-worthy meal that delights every palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 17.64 ounces (500 grams) Chicken breast, skinless, boneless
Spices and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 12 teaspoons Smoked paprika
- 12 teaspoons Cayenne pepper
- 12 teaspoons Dried thyme
- 12 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 12 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 12 teaspoons Onion powder
- 13 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 12 teaspoons Black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a flavorful blackened seasoning by combining smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and oregano in a small mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, optionally slicing them in half for quicker cooking.
- Generously coat the chicken with oil and evenly sprinkle the prepared blackened seasoning on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and carefully place the seasoned chicken into the pan.
- Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add olive oil and minced garlic.
- Sauté the garlic until it turns a rich golden brown, releasing its aromatic flavors.
- Pour in heavy cream and gradually incorporate grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and garlic powder, whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Simultaneously cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente consistency, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and briefly rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.
- Transfer the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Slice the blackened chicken and elegantly arrange it atop the sauced pasta.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley as a garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Perfectly pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and promote better browning.
- Create uniform chicken thickness by gently pounding breasts to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Experiment with adjusting cayenne pepper levels to control spice intensity based on personal heat tolerance.
- For gluten-free variations, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or alternative grain-based pastas to accommodate dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 1500 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg