If you’re searching for serious comfort with a punch of flavor, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite weeknight indulgence: Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo. Imagine smoky, spicy chicken with an irresistible char, nestled atop a bed of creamy, cheesy Alfredo noodles. The magic is all about contrast — bold heat from homemade blackened seasoning mingling with velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Each forkful is the perfect balance of rich, savory, and just enough Cajun kick to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for family or dazzling guests, this dish is guaranteed to turn any ordinary dinner into a true event.

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to an unforgettable Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo. This recipe is a celebration of simple pantry staples, elevated by vibrant spices and a lush, creamy sauce — each item plays a key role in creating a restaurant-worthy experience at home.

Mafaldine noodles (or fettuccine/linguine): Their broad, ruffled edges beautifully cradle the sauce for a decadent bite every time.
Chicken breasts: Juicy and lean, they soak up every bit of spicy seasoning and char up nicely in the skillet.
Olive oil: Ensures the chicken gets that crisp, golden exterior while keeping it succulent inside.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic bloom in the sauce and skillet.
Garlic, minced: Fresh and fragrant, it’s the backbone of both the chicken and Alfredo, infusing everything with deep flavor.
Heavy whipping cream: The secret to an ultra-silky, restaurant-grade Alfredo sauce.
Shredded parmesan cheese: Savory, salty, and melty, it brings the sauce together and intensifies the flavor.
Blackened seasoning (homemade mix below): This powerhouse blend delivers the smoky, spicy Cajun flair that defines the dish.
Salt and pepper: The simple finishing note to highlight every other flavor.
Optional breads (garlic bread, Texas toast, or garlic knots): Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adding crunch to your meal.
Smoked paprika: For that signature warmth, color, and subtle smokiness (regular paprika is fine if that’s what you have).
Cayenne pepper: Brings the heat and keeps your taste buds dancing.
Onion powder: Lends a mellow, savory base note to the seasoning blend.
Garlic powder: Doubles up on garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
Ground black pepper: A hint of peppery kick that complements the cayenne.
Salt: Essential for balancing all the bold, spicy flavors.
Dried thyme: Earthy and slightly minty, it deepens the complexity of the Cajun seasoning.
Dried oregano: Rounds out the blend with its robust, Mediterranean vibe.

How to Make Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts until they’re about 1/4 inch thick—this ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness. Rub the chicken generously with olive oil, then coat both sides with a hearty layer of your blackened seasoning mix. Don’t be shy here; this is where all that Cajun character comes in! Let it sit while your skillet heats up.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once shimmering, lay the seasoned chicken in the pan and leave it undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes. You want that deep amber crust, almost char-like but never burnt—this is what puts the “blackened” in Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo!

Step 3: Finish Cooking with Garlic Butter

Flip the chicken just once, lower the heat, and add butter plus a heap of minced garlic right into the skillet. The butter melts, the garlic sizzles, and together they create a savory bath for the chicken as it finishes cooking. This step infuses every bite with buttery richness and a punch of fresh garlic.

Step 4: Rest and Slice Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pan and tent it loosely with foil. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping your slices moist and flavorful. Resist slicing it just yet—it’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Start the Alfredo Sauce

In that very same skillet (hello, flavor layers!), melt the remaining butter with the rest of your minced garlic until just fragrant. Let the garlic sizzle briefly so every bit of it flavors the creamy sauce to come.

Step 6: Build the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream along with a couple teaspoons more of your blackened seasoning. Stir and bring just to a low simmer. The cream will gently thicken and take on the rich coloring and flavors of those Cajun spices, becoming the soul of your Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce gently simmers, get a big pot of salted water boiling and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve about 1/3 cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid is your secret weapon for the silkiest Alfredo ever.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

With the sauce still on the stove, stir in the shredded Parmesan until perfectly melted and luxurious. Taste and add a bit more seasoning if your taste buds crave another Cajun hit.

Step 9: Bring It All Together

Pour in the reserved pasta water, toss in your noodles, and gently mix until every strand is coated in creamy goodness. Arrange the sliced chicken over top, and (if you’re feeling extra bold) sprinkle on even more Cajun seasoning. Dinner just hit new heights—your Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo is ready to wow!

How to Serve Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo

Garnishes

The right garnish takes your Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo from homey to restaurant-worthy. A shower of fresh parsley, a pinch more Parmesan, or even a few shavings of lemon zest brighten things up and add a hint of color and freshness that lifts every bite.

Side Dishes

Because this dish is so rich and satisfying, I love pairing it with something crunchy and refreshing—think a crisp green salad, charred asparagus, or simply a bowl of garlic bread or Texas toast. These sides help balance the meal’s creamy texture and invite everyone to mop up every last drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

You can plate the Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo family-style in a big, beautiful serving bowl for maximum drama, or create individual twirled pasta nests on plates, fanning slices of chicken across the top. Garnish with extra herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or even spicy pickled peppers for a personal twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any remaining Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo into airtight containers as soon as it cools. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen over time. Just be sure to store the pasta and chicken together with some sauce to keep everything moist.

Freezing

While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze portions of this dish for convenient future meals. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of extra cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Give it a good stir and heat until just warmed through—overheating can cause the sauce to break, so keep an eye on it!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While mafaldine brings a unique, ruffled texture, fettuccine or linguine both work beautifully in Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo. You can even try penne or spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?

Definitely. Adjust the cayenne and blackened seasoning to your preferred level, or leave it out of the Alfredo sauce altogether for a milder version that’s still packed with flavor.

Can I use pre-made Cajun or blackened seasoning?

Yes! Store-bought Cajun or blackened blends save time and still deliver great results. Just taste as you go, as different brands can vary in saltiness and spice intensity.

What protein substitutes work well here?

Try it with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a slightly different take. Just follow the same steps for seasoning and cooking, and your new Blackened Cajun twist will taste incredible.

Can I make Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta—everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can still enjoy every spicy, creamy bite.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend making Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo enough—it’s a little effort for a huge reward! With its bold seasonings and luscious sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Gather your loved ones, serve up a hearty plate, and watch everyone’s faces light up with that first bite. Give it a whirl—you’ll be hooked!

Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo, a decadent dish that combines juicy blackened chicken with creamy alfredo sauce over a bed of perfectly cooked noodles. This recipe is a perfect blend of Cajun spices and classic Italian flavors.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken to even 1/4 inch thickness, rub with oil, and season with blackened seasoning.
Cook the Chicken: Sear chicken in a skillet, then finish cooking with butter and garlic until done.
Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, make a creamy sauce with butter, garlic, cream, parmesan, and blackened seasoning.
Combine and Serve: Toss cooked noodles in the sauce, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with extra blackened seasoning.

Notes

Adjust the level of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning to suit your spice preference.
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked paprika in the seasoning blend.
Feel free to add some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 850
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1100mg
Fat: 56g
Saturated Fat: 30g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: Blackened Cajun Chicken Alfredo, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Blackened Chicken Alfredo