This Blackened Chicken Pasta is a burst of flavor! The juicy chicken is coated in bold spices and served over a bed of creamy pasta. It’s easy to whip up for a cozy dinner.
You can’t go wrong with the nice kick from the spices mixed with a rich sauce. I love to add a sprinkle of parmesan on top, because who doesn’t love cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, you can use thighs instead. They add a richer flavor!
Spices: The mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper brings plenty of heat and flavor. Feel free to adjust the cayenne if you prefer milder chicken, or try smoked paprika for a different twist.
Pasta: Fettuccine is traditional here, but any pasta type like penne or spaghetti will work. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used for those with dietary restrictions.
Heavy Cream: This creates a luscious sauce, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk with thickeners if you want a lighter option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts beautifully into the sauce. If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or a nutritional yeast blend can add a similar cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Blackened?
Getting that perfect blackened crust on your chicken is all about the heat and patience. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet. Preheat it well before adding oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook one or two chicken breasts at a time to allow proper searing.
- Be mindful of cooking time—about 5-7 minutes on each side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing locks in the juices, so don’t skip this step!
Following these tips will help you achieve a delicious, smoky flavor that enhances your pasta dish!
How to Make Blackened Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Blackened Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Blackened Chicken Pasta recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and seasoning the chicken, and about 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Blend:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful blackening spice blend that’ll make the chicken delicious!
2. Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Rub the spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breast, making sure every bit is covered in those vibrant spices.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful charred crust. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until it’s fragrant. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
6. Make the Cream Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium, then pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine everything. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Add Cheese and Season:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Combine the Pasta:
Now, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that delicious creamy goodness!
9. Serve It Up:
Transfer the creamy pasta to serving plates. Slice the blackened chicken and lay it on top of the pasta. Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. If you love cheese, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top before serving.
10. Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy your scrumptious Blackened Chicken Pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just ensure to heat it through in the skillet with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes before adding the cream, so it absorbs those delicious flavors.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cornstarch for thickness. For a dairy-free alternative, try canned coconut milk or cashew cream, which still provides a creamy texture.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheating in a skillet over low heat will help maintain the creaminess. Add a splash of cream or water for moisture if needed!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! You can toss in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli. Just sauté them briefly with the garlic before adding the sun-dried tomatoes and cream for a nutritious addition!