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Flavorful Cajun Chicken Alfredo Penne with Blackened Seasoning

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Penne - featured image
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A creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring blackened seasoned chicken, silky Alfredo sauce, and penne pasta, perfect for quick and flavorful weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp paprika (smoked paprika adds depth)
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat tolerance)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta (regular or whole wheat)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing chicken)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Blackened Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the blackened seasoning evenly over the chicken, pressing lightly. Let rest for 5 minutes if possible.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes to develop a crust. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  5. Make the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add Cheese and Season: Stir in grated Parmesan gradually until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen.
  7. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add cooked penne and chicken back to skillet with Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure a proper blackened crust. Keep garlic in the sauce golden, not burnt. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken, Alfredo pasta, blackened seasoning, creamy pasta, penne recipe, quick dinner, spicy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-cajun-chicken-alfredo-penne-recipe-easy-homemade-blackened-seasoning/