There’s something deeply comforting about a creamy pasta dish that carries a little heat, a touch of smokiness, and a whole lot of flavor. This Blackened Chicken Pasta brings it all together in one satisfying, soul-warming bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug at the end of a long day—bold and flavorful enough to impress guests, yet simple enough to whip up for a cozy weeknight dinner at home.

This dish is inspired by the flavors of the South—think Cajun spice blends, hearty proteins, and creamy sauces that cling to pasta like a dream. The blackening technique, which originated in Louisiana, involves generously coating chicken in a spice mix and searing it in a hot skillet. The result? A beautiful charred crust that locks in flavor and adds depth to every bite.

I first made this recipe during a chilly fall evening when I was craving something indulgent but still easy to prepare. I remember tossing it together with ingredients I had on hand, hoping for the best—and it turned out to be one of those “keeper” recipes that quickly made its way into our dinner rotation. Since then, it’s become a go-to dish for lazy Sundays, family get-togethers, and even date nights at home.

Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or just need something delicious on the table fast, this Blackened Chicken Pasta delivers every time.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Bold Cajun flavors: Smoky, spicy, and deeply savory.
• Creamy and comforting: The rich sauce perfectly balances the heat.
• Weeknight-friendly: Comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
• Customizable: Use your favorite pasta, spice levels, or even add veggies.
• Crowd-pleaser: Guaranteed to wow everyone at the table.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Blackened Chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta you love)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

HOW TO MAKE BLACKENED CHICKEN PASTA:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. Don’t forget to save about ½ cup of the pasta water—it might come in handy if you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Season the chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Pat your chicken breasts dry and rub them all over with the spice mixture. Make sure every inch is covered—this is where all the flavor lives.

Step 3: Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5–6 minutes on each side, or until the outside is beautifully blackened and the inside is cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Make the sauce
In the same skillet (no need to wipe it clean—you want all that leftover flavor), lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Add cheese and pasta
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Once the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, toss in the cooked pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of that reserved pasta water will do the trick.

Step 6: Bring it all together
Top the creamy pasta with slices of the blackened chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and another sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When cooking the chicken, give it space to sear properly. Crowding traps steam and prevents that crispy crust.
• Control the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the cayenne or paprika slightly. Want more heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and adds richer flavor than pre-shredded versions.
• Chicken doneness check: Use a meat thermometer—165°F is the safe zone.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American (with Cajun-inspired flavors)
• Diet: Halal-friendly (with substitutions)

NOTES:

• You can substitute penne with fettuccine, rotini, or even spaghetti—whatever pasta you have on hand.
• For a veggie boost, toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
• Double the spice rub if you love that blackened flavor and want to use it on shrimp, fish, or even tofu.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, store them separately, and combine everything just before serving for best texture.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, though the sauce will be a bit lighter. A mix of milk and cream cheese can also work in a pinch.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Just tone down the cayenne pepper if needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can swap the cream with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based Parmesan substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, or the cream sauce may separate.

RELATED RECIPES

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta
• Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo
• Crockpot Italian Chicken Pasta: Creamy & Effortless

CONCLUSION

Blackened Chicken Pasta is more than just a dish—it’s a little moment of magic in the middle of your day. From the bold spices to the velvety sauce, every bite tells a story of comfort, warmth, and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this pasta is always a good idea. Try it once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request at your table.

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