This Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and savory.
Juicy, seared chicken breasts seasoned with homemade blackened seasoning are served over silky parmesan Alfredo sauce and tender noodles.
It’s a restaurant-quality comfort dish that’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spicy meets creamy – Perfect flavor balance
Hearty and satisfying – A full meal in one bowl
Customizable – Use your favorite pasta or protein
Make-ahead friendly – Cook components in advance
Crowd-pleaser – Bold and comforting for any palate
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken breasts – Pounded thin for quick, even cooking
Mafaldine or fettuccini noodles – Twists or ribbons hold the sauce well
Butter + olive oil – For searing and sauce base
Garlic – Adds bold flavor
Heavy cream – For a rich, silky Alfredo base
Parmesan cheese – Freshly shredded is best
Blackened seasoning – Homemade blend of paprika, cayenne, herbs, and garlic
How to Make Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Pound 3 chicken breasts to ¼-inch thickness.
Rub with olive oil and season both sides with 2–3 tbsp blackened seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
Cook chicken 3–4 minutes until golden underneath.
Flip, reduce heat to low, and add 2 tbsp butter + 2 tsp minced garlic.
Cook another 5–6 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F. Rest under foil.
Step 3: Start the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt remaining 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add remaining minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasoning
Stir in 2 cups heavy cream and 2–3 tsp blackened seasoning.
Simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Boil 1 lb mafaldine (or other noodles) until al dente.
Reserve ⅓ cup pasta water before draining.
Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Stir 1½ cups shredded parmesan into the sauce until melted.
Add pasta water and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Add cooked pasta to sauce and toss to coat.
Slice rested chicken and arrange over pasta.
Sprinkle with extra blackened seasoning or parmesan if desired.
Serving Ideas
Garlic bread or Texas toast – For sopping up sauce
Side Caesar salad – Crisp and refreshing
Roasted broccoli or asparagus – Balances richness
Chili flakes or hot sauce – For extra heat
Variations & Substitutions
Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken
Sub half-and-half for a lighter sauce
Try with penne, rigatoni, or tagliatelle
Make it low-carb with zucchini noodles
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk
Do not freeze – Cream sauces can separate
FAQs
Can I use store-bought blackened seasoning?
Yes! Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
What’s the best pasta for Alfredo?
Fettuccine or mafaldine are ideal, but any sturdy noodle will work.
How spicy is it?
Moderately spicy. Reduce cayenne for milder flavor.
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, store in fridge and reheat gently with a splash of cream.
What if my sauce gets too thick?
Stir in reserved pasta water or more cream.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just warm and slice before adding to pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist.
Creamy, cheesy, and full of bold Cajun flavor, it’s an easy dinner that feels indulgent yet doable on a weeknight.
Pair with garlic bread and dig in!

Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb mafaldine or fettuccine noodles
- 3 chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp butter
- 6 –8 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp blackened seasoning divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Blackened Seasoning
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp oregano
Instructions
- Pound chicken and season with 2–3 tbsp seasoning.
- Sear in 2 tbsp olive oil, then add 2 tbsp butter and 2 tsp garlic.
- Cook through and rest.
- Melt remaining butter, sauté garlic.
- Add cream + seasoning. Simmer 5 mins.
- Cook pasta. Reserve ⅓ cup water.
- Stir parmesan into sauce. Add pasta water.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://mischacrossing.com/blackened-chicken-alfredo-pasta/
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Mafaldine adds a fancy flair with its ruffled edges, but fettuccine, linguine, or tagliatelle also work beautifully.
- Cream Substitutes: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt, though sauce may be thinner.
- Spice Control: Use only 1–2 tablespoons of seasoning for a milder flavor. The full 4 tbsp brings medium heat and intense flavor.