Description
Spicy blackened Cajun chicken alfredo brings Southern heat to creamy pasta perfection. Rich Louisiana-style flavors dance through tender chicken and silky sauce, inviting you to savor each bold, comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup cajun seasoning
Dairy:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
Pasta and Additional Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and generously coat with cajun seasoning, ensuring complete coverage on all surfaces.
- Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side until exterior becomes deeply charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken and let rest on a cutting board while preparing sauce.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter, quickly adding minced garlic and sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously and allowing mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, creating a smooth and rich consistency.
- Season sauce with black pepper and salt, stirring to incorporate evenly.
- Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Slice rested chicken into diagonal strips.
- Drain pasta and immediately fold into the creamy alfredo sauce, coating noodles thoroughly.
- Transfer pasta to serving plates, topping with sliced blackened chicken.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and brightness.
Notes
- Spice Intensity Tip: Adjust cajun seasoning amount based on personal heat tolerance, allowing customization for mild or fiery preferences.
- Skillet Selection Strategy: Cast-iron skillet creates superior char and develops deeper flavor compared to non-stick pans, enhancing overall dish complexity.
- Protein Flexibility: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse dietary needs while maintaining recipe’s core technique.
- Healthier Modification: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calorie content without compromising creamy texture and richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 748
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 986 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 169 mg