The Ultimate Guide to Making Blackened Chicken Pasta
Blackened Chicken Pasta combines the fiery flavors of Cajun cuisine with the creamy, comforting textures of Italian Alfredo. This dish is a perfect example of how two distinct culinary traditions can come together to create something uniquely delicious. Below, we’ll dive into the recipe, offering step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to ensure you can recreate this restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Blackened Chicken Pasta
To start, gather your ingredients for both the blackening seasoning and the pasta itself. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Blackening Seasonings:
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼-½ tsp cayenne pepper
- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine
- 2 medium chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk + 1 tsp cornstarch)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Cutlets
- Slice the chicken through the equator to create 4 fillets. Cover the fillets with plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness, about ½-inch. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy.
Seasoning the Chicken
- Mix all of the Blackening seasonings together in a small bowl. Reserve 1 tablespoon for the Alfredo sauce. Season both sides of the chicken with the remaining seasoning blend. Let the chicken rest while you prep the rest of the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook fettuccine in heavily salted water just until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Drain, rinse, and toss pasta with a drizzle of olive oil; set aside.
Making the Blackened Chicken
- In a large, heavy-bottom skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and loosely tent with foil; don’t wipe out the skillet.
Preparing the Alfredo Sauce
- To the drippings left in the skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and the reserved 1 tablespoon Blackening seasoning and cook for 3 minutes. Add half of the chicken broth to the pan and whisk the remaining chicken broth with cornstarch until smooth. Add to the pan along with heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a simmer and simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese.
Combining Ingredients and Final Touches
- Add fettuccine and toss until well coated in sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Add chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices on the cutting board. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper, and/or red pepper flakes to taste.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Ensuring your chicken is tender and flavorful starts with pounding the chicken to an even thickness and letting it rest with the seasonings before cooking.
- Achieving the perfect pasta texture means cooking it until it’s just al dente and then finishing it in the sauce for extra flavor.
- For sauce consistency and flavor enhancements, don’t hesitate to adjust the thickness with reserved pasta water and season to taste after combining all the elements.
For those looking to expand their culinary skills, consider exploring resources that delve into the basics of Cajun cooking, such as this comprehensive guide on mastering Cajun cooking techniques.
Similarly, making pasta from scratch can add an authentic touch to your dish. If you’re curious about how to make pasta from scratch, this guide offers comprehensive insights into the process, ensuring your homemade pasta is perfect every time.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and treated just like the cutlets.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Can I substitute heavy cream for a lighter option? Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with 1 cup milk whisked with 2 teaspoons cornstarch, just take care not to let the sauce boil, just gently simmer.
- Is it possible to make this dish spicier or milder? Absolutely, adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level to your liking.
Recipe Variations
- Consider using different proteins like shrimp or salmon for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Adding vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms can introduce new textures and flavors.
- Experiment with different pasta types like penne or rotini for variation in texture.
Blackened Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish that allows for creativity and personalization. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to try something new, this recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that promise to impress.