Blackened Chicken Pasta is a zesty dish that mixes spicy, seasoned chicken with creamy pasta. It’s a fun and flavorful meal that will make your taste buds happy!
I love how the blackened chicken adds a nice kick. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for busy nights! 🐔🍝 Who says you can’t have a restaurant-style meal at home?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try chicken thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Blackening Seasoning: The mix of spices is key to that signature flavor. If you don’t have cayenne, use smoked paprika or even chili powder for a milder kick. Don’t forget to adjust the spices to your heat level!
Pasta: Fettuccine works beautifully but you can use any pasta shape you like! Penne or linguine are good alternatives if fettuccine isn’t available.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind the taste will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds so much flavor. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Nutritional yeast works for a vegan option!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Blackened?
Blackening the chicken creates that great flavor that gives this dish its name. The key is in the heat and seasoning. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A cast iron skillet is ideal!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even blackening.
- Cook on medium-high heat to get that nice char, but keep an eye to avoid burning.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking! This keeps it juicy and tender.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly blackened chicken every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Delicious Blackened Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking chicken)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, totaling about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blackening Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt together. This blend will give your chicken that delicious blackened flavor!
2. Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Take the seasoning mix and coat the chicken evenly on both sides. Make sure it’s well-covered to get that great flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely blackened and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into strips.
4. Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is resting, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to reserve a bit of the pasta water for later!
5. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s nice and fragrant.
6. Add Cream and Cheese:
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and smooth. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water!
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss everything together well. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed!
8. Serve:
Dish out the creamy pasta onto plates and top with the sliced blackened chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and, if you like it extra spicy, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes!
9. Enjoy!
Dig in immediately and enjoy your flavorful Blackened Chicken Pasta! It’s perfect for sharing… or just for yourself on a cozy night in!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to completely thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or using the quick method of submerging it in cold water in a sealed bag. Pat it dry before seasoning to ensure the spice mixture sticks well.
What Pasta Can I Use Instead of Fettuccine?
Fettuccine is great, but you can absolutely substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, linguine, or even spaghetti. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for whatever type you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if it seems too thick!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning. Additionally, feel free to add red pepper flakes both in the sauce and as a garnish for that extra kick!
