Sizzling Blackened Chicken Pasta Recipe: Homemade Magic

Craving a zesty blackened chicken pasta that dances with bold flavors?

Spices blend perfectly in this recipe, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Bold seasonings coat tender chicken strips, promising an unforgettable meal.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks can easily master these techniques, turning basic ingredients into something spectacular.

Layers of smoky and vibrant notes make each bite a culinary adventure.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible pasta creation.

What Makes Blackened Chicken Pasta So Delicious

• Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun-inspired chicken brings bold, zesty flavors that transform an ordinary pasta dish into a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Master Quick Cooking: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or add extra vegetables to create a personalized dinner that suits your taste and dietary preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and streamlined cooking process mean less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious meal with family or friends.

Ingredients for Blackened Chicken Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that provides the main protein for this flavorful dish.

• Pasta: The hearty base that carries the creamy sauce and adds substantial texture to the meal.

• Cajun Spice Blend: A zesty and bold spice mix that adds a signature Southern-style kick to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a perfect golden-brown sear on the chicken and adds rich flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth to the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note that balances the richness of the cream.

• Garlic, Spinach: These ingredients provide additional flavor, nutrition, and a pop of green color to the dish.

How to Cook Blackened Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring water to a rolling boil.

Drop pasta into the water and cook until it reaches al dente texture. Drain pasta and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Spice and Sear Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning blend. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Place seasoned chicken into the hot pan. Cook each side until golden brown and fully cooked, creating a delicious blackened exterior.

Step 3: Rest and Slice Chicken

Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice chicken into tender, mouth-watering strips.

Step 4: Saute Aromatic Greens

• Minced garlic
• Fresh spinach leaves

Cook until garlic becomes fragrant and spinach wilts beautifully.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet.

Add fresh lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss sliced chicken with cooked pasta. Gently fold in the creamy sauce, ensuring every pasta strand and chicken piece is generously coated.

Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal.

Tips for Blackened Chicken Pasta

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance by mixing store-bought blend or creating a homemade version with less cayenne pepper.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature without overcooking, maintaining juicy texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant individuals or plant-based diets.
• Slice chicken and chop ingredients beforehand to reduce cooking time and streamline the entire recipe process.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the dish's complexity and provide a vibrant, fresh finish.

Variations for Blackened Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Blackened Chicken Pasta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the blackened chicken flavor.
• Spicy Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or firm tofu for a different protein source while keeping the Cajun spice blend as the key flavor profile.

Best Pairings for Blackened Chicken Pasta

Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the spicy Cajun chicken.

Toss a light salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish’s richness and add a peppery crunch that enhances the blackened flavors.

Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender chicken pasta.

Mix a refreshing non-alcoholic drink with lime, mint, and sparkling water to cleanse the palate and cool down the Cajun spice.

Storage Tips for Blackened Chicken Pasta

• Store leftover blackened chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain the sauce's creamy texture.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and herbs that gives the chicken a spicy, bold flavor profile with Louisiana-style heat.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with fettuccine, penne, or linguine depending on your preference. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning provides moderate heat. You can adjust the spiciness by using less Cajun blend or choosing a mild version if you prefer less heat.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a golden-brown exterior with no pink in the center.

Blackened Chicken Pasta Recipe For Any Occasion

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Spicy blackened chicken pasta brings southern comfort to dinner tables with bold Cajun-inspired flavors. Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta and Sauce Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun spice blend
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat, ensuring ample space for pasta to cook evenly.
2. Submerge pasta into boiling water and cook until tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
3. Generously coat chicken breasts with Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, reaching approximately 375°F, creating a hot cooking surface.
5. Place seasoned chicken into heated skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until exterior develops a rich golden-brown crust and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips.
7. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and allow to sizzle for 30 seconds, releasing aromatic oils.
8. Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until leaves wilt and become vibrant green, approximately 2 minutes.
9. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, introducing lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
10. Combine sliced chicken, cooked pasta, and creamy sauce, tossing gently to ensure complete and even coating.

Notes

• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe consumption and prevent foodborne illness.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged varieties.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal spice preference by adding more or less spice blend.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and fat content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 950 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 64 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 36 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 52 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg