Blackened Chicken Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

My Go-To Wednesday Night Dinner: Blackened Chicken Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of homework, extracurricular activities, and the ever-present need to keep the family fed and happy. That's why I've developed a few go-to recipes that are quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. This Blackened Chicken Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is definitely one of them. I make it almost every Wednesday, and it never fails to impress. The combination of the spicy, blackened chicken and the creamy, rich Alfredo sauce is simply divine. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that leaves everyone feeling satisfied and wanting more. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of nights.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust it to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, add some vegetables for extra nutrients, or even use different seasonings to customize the flavor profile. I often add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give it a little extra kick. The recipe is a fantastic base for creativity in the kitchen. Honestly, the compliments I receive after serving this dish make the effort totally worthwhile. The smiles and happy groans of satisfaction from my family are the ultimate reward for a tired mom after a long day.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how forgiving it is. If the sauce gets a little too thick, simply add a bit more cream to adjust the consistency. If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, any skillet will do. I've even used this recipe to impress friends, adapting it based on their preferences. It's so adaptable and consistent in delivering deliciousness. And the best part? Clean up is surprisingly simple, another big win on a busy weeknight! It's become a family favorite, so much so that my kids actually request it. What more could a mother ask for?

Ingredients You Will Need:

This recipe uses simple, readily-available ingredients, making it perfect for even the most novice home cooks. Feel free to experiment with your favorite brands and types of pasta. The result is always scrumptious!

Serving Suggestions:

Serving this dish is as simple as it gets! I usually pair it with a fresh green salad and warm breadsticks for dipping in the leftover Alfredo sauce – pure indulgence! But really, any sides that compliment creamy pasta dishes would work well.

Tips and Tricks for Success:

While the recipe is straightforward, a few simple tips can elevate your cooking experience. Ensuring the chicken is cooked through is crucial, use a meat thermometer to check if it's reached the safe internal temperature. And don't be afraid to let the Alfredo sauce simmer for a while—the longer it simmers, the richer and creamier it becomes.

Why This Recipe Is a Weeknight Winner:

This recipe has quickly become a cornerstone of my weeknight meal rotation because it's quick, delicious, and easy to customize. Its crowd-pleasing nature makes it a go-to for family dinners, while its adaptability allows for adjustments based on dietary needs or preferences.

Step-by-step

• Preferably use a cast iron skillet for blackening the chicken breasts. If you don't have one then a regular skillet will work.
• SAUCE: First off place 1 stick of butter and cream cheese in a large saucepan on medium heat, let melt, stir in 1 pint of heavy cream.
• Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Slowly stir in the parmesan cheese, about 1/4 cup at a time.
• Add salt and pepper if desired.
• Simmer for about 20 minutes on low heat, stirring frequently. The longer this simmers the better.
• If sauce seems to be real thick then slowly stir in the rest of heavy cream.
• In the meantime while the sauce is simmering start the noodles. Drain. Set aside, adding a little of sauce so the noodles don't stick.
• Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, preheat skillet on medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons butter.
• Sprinkle both sides of chicken with Zatarain's blackened seasoning.
• Place onto skillet and brown on both sides, turn down heat to medium.
• Cook on each side for about 7-8 minutes or until no longer pink in the middle.
• Place noodles on plate, top with sauce and place the chicken on the side.
• Garnish sauce with fresh grated parmesan cheese.
• Serve with your favorite salad and breadsticks.