Blackened Chicken Alfredo

There's nothing quite like the creamy indulgence of Blackened Chicken Alfredo! Picture this - fettucine smothered in a creamy cheesy alfredo sauce, topped with perfectly seasoned blackened chicken tenderloins.

This irresistible pasta dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. It's the perfect comfort meal for a busy family; ready to eat in under an hour!

The Blackened Seasoning Mix

The thing you'll love most about this homemade blackened seasoning is its flavor adjustability. You control just how spicy or mild your family prefers simply by using a little or a lot. It's made with smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Feel free to toss in some white pepper for extra "pepper" flavor!

The Homemade Alfredo Sauce (no heavy cream)

My homemade alfredo sauce has the creaminess and delicious flavors you expect in an alfredo sauce - butter, whole milk, parmesan cheese, a little cornstarch for thickening, and a splash of blackened seasoning mix for extra flavor. The sauce clings perfectly to every tender piece of fettucine, even without the heavy cream!

Ingredients You'll Need

Let's break down the ingredients that make Blackened Chicken Alfredo so spectacular!

Pasta - linguini or fettucine are good ole favorites for this dish. However, you can use what you have on hand, such as spaghetti, penne, or bowtie.

Chicken tenderloins - the tenderloins are the most tender pieces of chicken. I chose them because they cook up moist and tender and fit easily in the skillet.

Whole milk - whole milk creates a lighter texture compared to heavy cream, but it still creates a nice, thick alfredo sauce. Whole milk also typically is more budget friendly than heavy cream, too.

Blackened seasoning - here's where most of the flavor comes from! It's used to season the chicken as well as the alfredo sauce! This homemade version is delicious but if you already have a favorite brand, you can go ahead and use it. But I sure do want you to try my version if you've never made your own 🙂

Cheese - parmesan cheese is the traditional choice for alfredo sauce due to its nutty flavor and smooth texture.

Butter and Olive Oil - I love using a combination of the two when browning the chicken. Butter adds flavor and a dark color; olive oil has a high smoke point and can handle the heat better than butter alone.

Cornstarch - since we are using milk, we add a little cornstarch to help thicken up the sauce.

Garnish - you can never go wrong with fresh chopped parsley! Just a little sprinkle on top of the finished dish gives it a special finishing touch.

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Ingredient Substitutions

I like to give ingredient options because I understand that sometimes you need some flexibility to make a recipe work for your specific needs and preferences; or maybe you like to use what you already have on hand (love it!).

• You can swap chicken tenderloins for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if preferred. You can also add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor. Look for more variations below!
• You could use heavy cream instead of whole milk for the Alfredo sauce, but you typically don't need to use cornstarch or flour as a thickening agent because heavy cream is naturally thicker.
• Other cheeses you can use instead of parmesan cheese include asiago, mozzarella, or gruyere for a change of pace!

How to Make Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Here's a quick review of how to make it -- be sure to follow the recipe card for detailed instructions.

Step 1 - Season the chicken with the homemade blackened seasoning, then sear it in a hot cast iron skillet until it's done.

Step 2 - Remove chicken from skillet then prepare the alfredo sauce.

Step 3 - Toss in the cooked pasta and parmesan cheese.

Step 4 - Plate the pasta, then top with blackened chicken. Drizzle some alfredo sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh cut parsley!

Blackened Chicken Alfredo Variations

You asked for variations, you got it! Get creative and experiment with different ingredients and have some fun!

1. Seafood Alfredo: Instead of chicken, you can use shrimp, scallops, or a combination of seafood. Blacken the seafood with the same seasoning mix used for the chicken, and then add it to the Alfredo sauce.
2. Vegetarian Alfredo: Skip the chicken altogether and make a vegetarian version of Alfredo sauce. You can add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
3. Spicy Alfredo: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the blackened seasoning mix for a spicier kick. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the Alfredo sauce.
4. Herb-infused Alfredo: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro to the Alfredo sauce for a burst of fresh flavor. You can also sprinkle chopped herbs on top of the finished dish for a vibrant garnish.
5. Pasta Variations: Instead of traditional fettuccine, try using different types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle for a unique twist on the classic dish. Each pasta shape will offer a slightly different texture and mouthfeel.
6. Cheese Variations: While Parmesan cheese is the classic choice for Alfredo sauce, you can mix things up by adding other cheeses like mozzarella, asiago, or fontina for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the cheese you choose.
7. Grilled Chicken: Instead of blackening the chicken in a skillet, grill it on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan for a smoky flavor. The grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
8. Pesto Alfredo: Swirl pesto sauce into the Alfredo sauce for a delicious fusion of flavors. The vibrant green pesto adds an herby, garlicky dimension to the dish that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

What to Serve with Blackened Chicken Alfredo

For a complete meal, serve Blackened Chicken Alfredo with two sides and a dessert. Here are a few of my favorites that you might enjoy, too.

Side Dishes - simple garden salad, broccoli bacon salad, parmesan herb potatoes, brussels sprouts, roasted carrots and parsnips.

Desserts - raspberry lemon cake, blondie brownies, mixed berry yogurt parfaits, pecan oatmeal raisin cookies.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or gently warm on the stovetop. You can store leftovers in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Recipe Tips

For success with this recipe, make sure to evenly coat the chicken with the blackened seasoning mix and cook it until it's fully cooked through. Also, whisk the alfredo sauce continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.