Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb. Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccini/linguini noodles)
02 -
3 chicken breasts
03 -
4 tablespoons olive oil
04 -
6 tablespoons butter
05 -
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
2 cups heavy whipping cream
07 -
1.5 cups shredded parmesan cheese
08 -
4 tablespoons blackened seasoning, divided
09 -
salt and pepper
→ Blackened Seasoning
10 -
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
11 -
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
12 -
1 tablespoon onion powder
13 -
2 teaspoon garlic powder
14 -
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 -
1 teaspoon salt
16 -
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
17 -
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
# Instructions:
01 -
Pound chicken to even 1/4 inch thickness, rub them with oil and season liberally on both sides (about 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning).
02 -
Heat a skillet to medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pan and cook chicken for 3-4 minutes (or until it has a dark amber coloring on the underside).
03 -
Flip just once, reduce the heat to low. Add 2 tablespoons of butter into the skillet along with 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, allowing the garlic butter to melt into the chicken as it finishes cooking, about 5-6 minutes (or until internal temp reaches 165 degrees).
04 -
Remove chicken and place on a plate with tented foil to rest before slicing.
05 -
In the same skillet over medium heat, add in remaining butter and melt. Add in the rest of the minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
06 -
Stir in the heavy cream and 2-3 teaspoons of blackened seasoning. Bring to a low boil over simmer, allowing it to thicken, about 5 minutes.
07 -
While the sauce simmers, cook the noodles to al dente, reserving 1/3 cup of pasta water.
08 -
Add the parmesan into the alfredo sauce and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
09 -
Pour 1/3 cup of reserved pasta water into the alfredo sauce and stir. Add cooked noodles into the pasta, mix to combine and top with chicken. Add a sprinkle of cajun seasoning on top before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Can be served with garlic bread or Texas toast
02 -
Regular paprika can be substituted for smoked
03 -
Fettuccini or linguini can replace mafaldine noodles