This Blackened Chicken Pasta is a tasty mix of spicy chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick to make and bursting with flavor!
You’ll love how the chicken gets that nice blackened crust—such a fun touch! I like to add some veggies for a pop of color, and it always makes dinner feel fancy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless are ideal for this dish. If you want a healthier option, you could use turkey breast, which works great too!
Olive Oil: This is used for cooking and seasoning. If you’re out of olive oil, canola or vegetable oil will work as substitutes without affecting flavor too much.
Cayenne Pepper: This adds heat. If you prefer milder flavors, try using smoked paprika or omit it entirely. Adjust to your taste!
Pasta: Fettuccine is traditional, but if you want something different, penne or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option work well!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based option like coconut cream. Just note that it may alter the flavor a bit.
How Do You Get Perfectly Blackened Chicken?
Achieving that nice blackened crust on chicken is key! Follow these steps for the best results:
- Make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning. This helps the spices adhere better and form a crust.
- The pan should be hot before adding the chicken. A hot skillet gives that nice char.
- Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. This helps achieve a nice sear rather than steaming.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps it juicy. Once rested, slice it against the grain for tender bites.
How to Make Blackened Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (or linguine)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- 5-6 cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, so you’ll have a delicious meal in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This is your blackening spice mix that will add lots of flavor to the chicken!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each breast evenly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and then coat both sides with the spice mix generously. Make sure they’re well covered!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice dark crust. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
4. Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. After a minute, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, around 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss well to combine. Then stir in the chopped basil and, if using, the halved cherry tomatoes.
8. Plate and Serve:
To serve, plate the pasta mixture and top it with the sliced blackened chicken. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy your delicious Blackened Chicken Pasta!
Can I Use Different Pasta Types?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is the traditional choice, you can substitute with linguine, penne, or even spaghetti. For a healthier option, consider zucchini noodles or whole grain pasta!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the spice mix. You can also add a bit of honey or sugar to balance heat without losing flavor.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
You can prep the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time! Cook the pasta fresh just before serving. Store the chicken and sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat gently on the stove.
What Can I Do With Leftovers?
Leftover Blackened Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to help revive the sauce.