Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Blackened Chicken Alfredo is a decadent twist on a classic Italian favorite, combining tender, perfectly seasoned chicken cutlets with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish balances bold, smoky flavors from the blackening seasoning with the silky texture of fettuccine pasta and a luscious sauce that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Using fresh garlic, quality Parmesan, and a mix of chicken broth and cream, this recipe delivers a deeply flavorful, restaurant-quality meal right at home.

The key to this dish lies in the perfectly blackened chicken, coated with a homemade spice blend that’s packed with smoky, spicy notes. Thin chicken cutlets ensure quick, even cooking and soak up the sauce beautifully, while the Alfredo sauce’s velvety texture comes from a clever combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, and cornstarch. This approach lightens the sauce without sacrificing richness. Pairing with fettuccine, the silky noodles cling to every bit of sauce for an irresistible mouthful each time. Whether for a special dinner or a comforting weekend treat, Blackened Chicken Alfredo promises to satisfy your craving for creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold, smoky blackened chicken flavor that’s irresistibly delicious.
2. Creamy Alfredo sauce that’s rich but balanced with chicken broth.
3. Tender chicken cutlets cook quickly and evenly.
4. Fresh ingredients like real garlic and freshly grated Parmesan boost flavor.
5. Uses fettuccine for the perfect sauce-to-pasta coating ratio.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into cutlets) or skinless chicken thighs
• Homemade blackening seasoning (blend of spices)
• Unsalted butter
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh garlic

For the Sauce

• Unsalted butter
• Fresh garlic
• Reduced sodium chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Heavy cream (or evaporated milk with cornstarch for lighter version)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Homemade blackening seasoning

For the Pasta

• Fettuccine noodles

Variations

• Use chicken thighs: Swap cutlets for skinless thighs for juicier meat.
• Spice level: Adjust blackening seasoning to make it milder or hotter.
• Cream substitute: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.
• Different pasta: Swap fettuccine for linguine or penne if preferred.
• Add vegetables: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Season both sides generously with homemade blackening seasoning.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken cutlets until blackened and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium-low and sauté fresh garlic in butter for several minutes until fragrant, infusing the base for your sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sauce Base

Whisk chicken broth and cornstarch together until smooth. Add to the pan with garlic, stirring until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in heavy cream and stir. Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with a pinch of blackening seasoning.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

Meanwhile, cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Add pasta and blackened chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
• Thin chicken cutlets cook faster and absorb more seasoning.
• Do not overheat garlic; keep it on medium-low to avoid burning.
• Whisk cornstarch with broth first to prevent lumps in the sauce.
• Taste sauce and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

How to Serve

• Plate the pasta with chicken cutlets on top, drizzled with extra sauce.
• Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan for color and flavor.
• Serve alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
• Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
• Perfect for an indulgent weeknight meal or weekend dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-made blackening seasoning?

Yes, but homemade allows better control over spice balance.

2. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is preferred for flavor, but ¾ teaspoon garlic powder can be substituted.

3. What if I don’t have cornstarch?

Flour can be used as a thickener, but cornstarch provides a smoother texture.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You’d need dairy-free substitutes for butter, cream, and cheese; flavor and texture will differ.

5. How do I make the sauce less rich?

Use evaporated milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

6. Can I use whole chicken breasts instead of cutlets?

You can, but thin cutlets cook faster and more evenly.

7. Is chicken broth necessary?

It adds flavor and lightens the sauce, but you can use water or vegetable broth in a pinch.

8. What pasta can I substitute for fettuccine?

Linguine, tagliatelle, or penne work well.

9. Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed spinach or mushrooms are great additions.

10. How spicy is the blackening seasoning?

Adjust the cayenne and pepper levels to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Blackened Chicken Alfredo is a deliciously bold and creamy dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table with ease. The smoky, well-seasoned chicken cutlets paired with the silky, cheesy Alfredo sauce make every bite satisfying and flavorful. This recipe’s clever use of chicken broth and cornstarch keeps the sauce rich without being overly heavy, while fresh ingredients like garlic and Parmesan elevate the dish. Whether for a cozy weeknight or a special meal, Blackened Chicken Alfredo is sure to impress family and guests alike.

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