Spicy Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta
This Spicy Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blackening seasoning with creamy homemade Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked linguine. It’s a dish that has become a staple in my household, adored by family and friends alike. The richness of the Alfredo sauce perfectly complements the spiciness of the chicken, creating a medley of flavors that will leave everyone asking for more. Serve this dish with warm garlic breadsticks and a fresh side salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
3-4 (Trimmed and ready to cook)
Zatarain's Blackening Seasoning
To taste (Coat chicken evenly)
Butter
2 tablespoons (For cooking chicken)
Linguine
16 ounces (Cooked according to package instructions)
Heavy Cream
1.5 pints (Used for the Alfredo sauce)
Butter
½ cup (For the Alfredo sauce)
Cream Cheese
3 tablespoons (Cubed, for melting into the sauce)
Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon (For flavoring the sauce)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
½ cup (For sauce and garnish)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding 2 tablespoons of butter.
2
While the skillet heats up, generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with Zatarain's blackening seasoning.
3
Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet and sear for 7-8 minutes on each side until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
4
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Alfredo sauce. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup of butter and the cream cheese. Allow them to melt, stirring frequently.
5
Gradually add in 1 pint of heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Stir continuously.
6
Slowly incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, adding about ¼ cup at a time, while continuing to stir.
7
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. If the sauce becomes too thick, add the remaining heavy cream gradually until desired consistency is reached.
8
While the sauce simmers, cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, tossing with a bit of sauce to prevent sticking.
9
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet, allow to rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
10
To serve, plate a portion of linguine topped with Alfredo sauce, and place the sliced blackened chicken on the side.
11
Garnish the dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy with your favorite salad and warm breadsticks!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta?
It is a weeknight dinner dish featuring juicy chicken breasts with blackening seasoning served over a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce and linguine.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been trimmed.
Which seasoning is used to blacken the chicken?
Zatarain's blackening seasoning is recommended to coat both sides of the chicken generously.
How long should I cook the chicken?
Sear the chicken for 7-8 minutes on each side in a hot skillet until it is browned and cooked through.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe specifies using 16 ounces of linguine cooked according to package instructions.
What are the ingredients for the homemade Alfredo sauce?
The sauce is made from heavy cream, butter, cream cheese, garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
How much butter is needed for the Alfredo sauce?
You will need 1/2 cup of butter for the sauce plus 2 tablespoons for cooking the chicken.
Why is cream cheese included in the sauce?
Cream cheese is used to add richness and help achieve a smooth, creamy consistency in the Alfredo sauce.
How much heavy cream is required?
The recipe uses 1.5 pints of heavy cream in total for the sauce.
How long does the Alfredo sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes while being stirred frequently.
How do I incorporate the Parmesan cheese into the sauce?
Slowly add the Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time while stirring continuously to ensure it melts evenly.
What should I do if the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the remaining heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.
How do I prevent the linguine from sticking after draining?
Toss the cooked and drained linguine with a small amount of the Alfredo sauce to keep it from sticking.
Should the chicken rest before slicing?
Yes, let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips to keep it juicy.
How is the dish typically served?
Plate the linguine topped with Alfredo sauce and place the sliced blackened chicken on the side or top.
What are the best side dishes for this meal?
This dish pairs perfectly with warm garlic breadsticks and a fresh side salad.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the blackening seasoning provides a flavorful spicy kick that is balanced by the creamy sauce.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to flavor the sauce.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While linguine is recommended, you can substitute with fettuccine or your favorite long pasta.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of cubed cream cheese.
What heat should I use for the chicken?
Heat the skillet over medium-high heat with butter before adding the chicken.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed in total?
Use 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce and extra for garnish.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, the combination of creamy sauce, pasta, and seasoned chicken makes it a classic comfort food dish.
What kind of seasoning is used for the sauce itself?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Do I need to season both sides of the chicken?
Yes, generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with the blackening seasoning for maximum flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
With 16 ounces of pasta and 3-4 chicken breasts, it typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I make the sauce while the chicken is cooking?
Yes, the instructions suggest preparing the Alfredo sauce in a separate saucepan while the chicken sears.
What garnish is recommended?
Garnish the finished dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe with straightforward steps for home cooks.
How do I prepare the chicken for cooking?
The chicken breasts should be trimmed and then coated evenly with the blackening seasoning.