Spicy Blackened Chicken Fettuccine
Blackened Chicken Fettuccine is a delightful blend of bold, smoky flavors, inspired by the intense Arizona summer heat. This indoor favorite features perfectly seasoned chicken that complements the rich, creamy cheese sauce served over tender fettuccine pasta. The recipe embodies a perfect harmony of spicy, savory and cheesy notes, ideal for a hearty dinner. For a refreshing next-day meal, the leftover chicken can be enjoyed over a crisp salad with mixed greens. My significant other, a fan of generous and satisfying meals, appreciates this dish's robust flavors with its heaping portion of handmade fettuccine and a luscious sauce punctuated by the distinct taste of parmesan. This dish unfolds layers of taste, making each bite a dynamic experience against the simplicity of the pasta. Amidst the sizzling atmosphere, groove to a modern dance mix with tracks like Calvin Harris' remix of 'I Need Your Love' while crafting this culinary masterpiece. Bon Appétit!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic powder
1 teaspoon
onion powder
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
cumin
1/2 teaspoon
paprika
1/2 teaspoon
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon
boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
1 lb
olive oil
1 tablespoon
whole garlic cloves
3 (diced)
half-and-half
3 cups
sun-dried tomato
1/2 cup (drained and chopped)
artesian fettuccine
1 lb
parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (freshly grated)
green onion
1/2 cup (sliced on the bias)
salt
1 pinch
cracked black and red peppercorn
1 pinch
Instructions
1
Mix together garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cumin, paprika, and chili powder in a shallow dish to create the blackening spice blend.
2
Heat a heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken tenderloins dry. If needed, use a mallet with plastic wrap to lightly tenderize and ensure even thickness.
3
Coat both sides of the chicken tenderloins evenly with the blackening spice mix.
4
Place the coated chicken pieces in the hot, ungreased pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes in total, turning occasionally, until the spices are blackened and aromatic, and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
5
Set the cooked chicken aside on a plate, cover it, and let it rest.
6
Bring a large stock pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Optionally, add a splash of vegetable oil to help reduce clumping. Cook the fettuccine pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes for artesian pasta.
7
While the pasta is cooking, wipe out the frying pan used for the chicken. Turn the heat to medium, then add olive oil and diced garlic.
8
Cook the garlic until it is fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
9
Add the half-and-half to the pan, reduce the heat to medium-low, and allow it to simmer and reduce for about 8-10 minutes.
10
Drain the pasta and slice the chicken on a bias.
11
To the sauce, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced chicken, and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well-combined.
12
Add the hot, drained fettuccine noodles to the sauce and toss to coat. Plate and garnish with sliced green onions and additional parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Blackened Chicken Fettuccine?
It is a bold, smoky pasta dish inspired by Arizona summers, featuring seasoned chicken and a creamy cheese sauce over fettuccine.
What spices are in the blackening spice blend?
The blend consists of garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
How long should I cook the chicken tenderloins?
Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes in total in a hot, ungreased pan, turning occasionally until blackened and cooked through.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of artesian fettuccine pasta.
How do I make the creamy sauce?
Sauté diced garlic in olive oil, then add half-and-half and let it simmer and reduce for 8-10 minutes before adding parmesan.
Can I use the leftover chicken for something else?
Yes, the leftover blackened chicken is excellent when served cold over a crisp salad with mixed greens.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the secret to even chicken thickness?
Use a mallet with plastic wrap to lightly tenderize the chicken tenderloins to ensure they are of even thickness.
Should I grease the pan before cooking the chicken?
No, the recipe specifies placing the coated chicken pieces in a hot, ungreased pan.
How long does the pasta take to cook?
Artesian fettuccine typically takes about 8 minutes to reach an al dente texture.
What type of cheese is best for the sauce?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and melting consistency.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The recipe calls for 3 whole garlic cloves to be diced and cooked until fragrant.
What is the purpose of sun-dried tomatoes in this dish?
They add a concentrated burst of flavor and texture to the creamy sauce.
When do I add the cooked chicken back into the dish?
Add the sliced chicken to the sauce along with the sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese after the sauce has reduced.
How should the chicken be sliced?
The chicken should be sliced on a bias before being added to the sauce.
What can I add to the pasta water to prevent clumping?
Adding a splash of vegetable oil to the boiling water can help reduce pasta clumping.
What garnishes are recommended for serving?
Garnish the plated pasta with sliced green onions and additional parmesan cheese.
What kind of cooking pan is recommended for the chicken?
A heavy frying pan is recommended to handle the high heat needed for blackening.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it includes chili powder, paprika, cumin, and cracked red peppercorns for a spicy flavor profile.
What is the primary dairy component of the sauce?
The sauce uses 3 cups of half-and-half as its primary base.
Why should I pat the chicken dry before seasoning?
Patting the chicken dry ensures the spice blend sticks well and helps achieve a better sear in the pan.
How much sun-dried tomato is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, which should be drained and chopped.
What music is suggested to cook along to?
Modern dance mixes like Calvin Harris' remix of 'I Need Your Love' are recommended to set the mood.
What is the final step before plating?
Add the hot, drained fettuccine noodles to the sauce and toss everything to coat the pasta thoroughly.
Should the garlic be browned?
No, the garlic should be cooked only until it is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, without letting it brown.
Does the recipe require salt in the pasta water?
Yes, you should bring a large stock pot of salted water to a boil for the fettuccine.
How much parmesan goes into the sauce initially?
Add 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese to the sauce mixture initially, saving the rest for garnish.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
The chicken should have a blackened, aromatic exterior while remaining thoroughly cooked inside.
How do you prepare the green onions?
The green onions should be sliced on the bias for garnish.
What type of peppercorns are used for the finishing touch?
A pinch of cracked black and red peppercorns is used for the final garnish.