Blackened Chicken Fettuccine
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and has a touch of elegance, then Blackened Chicken Fettuccine is your answer. This dish combines the smoky, spicy notes of blackened chicken with creamy fettuccine, creating a delightful balance that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the world of rich flavors and creamy textures that make this dish a favorite.
Reasons to Love Blackened Chicken Fettuccine
- Flavor Explosion: The blackening seasoning brings a unique spice that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice levels or add your favorite vegetables to suit your preferences.
- Comfort Food: Creamy pasta is always a hit, and the addition of chicken makes it a complete meal.
The Essentials
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness: Ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning: Provides the signature flavor that defines this dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds color and a hint of sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Creates a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: Adds creaminess and depth to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Essential for a cheesy finish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper: Adds subtle heat without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Introduces an earthy note to the dish.
- 1 (16-ounce) package fettuccine, cooked and drained: The perfect pasta for this creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese for serving: A finishing touch that elevates the dish.
Recommended Tools
- Large skillet: Essential for cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
- Pot for boiling pasta: A deep pot is ideal to prevent splashing.
- Meat mallet: To pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and combining ingredients.
- Grater: For freshly grating the Parmesan cheese, which melts better than pre-grated cheese.
Blackened Chicken Fettuccine: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring they cook evenly. This step is crucial for juicy and tender chicken. Once you’ve pounded them, season both sides generously with the blackening seasoning.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful dark crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the peppers are tender.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, then add the cream cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Gradually mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Add the salt, black pepper, ground white pepper, and dried thyme. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Make sure all the noodles are covered in that luscious creamy sauce.
Step 7: Slice the Chicken
While the pasta is warming in the sauce, slice the blackened chicken into strips.
Step 8: Serve
Plate the creamy fettuccine and top it with the sliced blackened chicken. Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that perfect touch.
Tailor It to Your Diet
- Gluten-Free: Swap out regular fettuccine for gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan cheese.
Pro Perspective
This Blackened Chicken Fettuccine is a versatile dish that can be tweaked to match your preference. The blackening seasoning can be adjusted; if you’re sensitive to spice, consider using a milder blend. Additionally, the creamy sauce is a great base for adding other ingredients like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. Don’t skimp on the cheese—freshly grated Parmesan really makes a difference in the sauce’s final texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheat Guide
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and juiciness to the dish, but ensure they are cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
What can I serve with Blackened Chicken Fettuccine?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Can I freeze the Blackened Chicken Fettuccine?
Yes, you can freeze the dish, but keep in mind that the texture of the cream sauce may change once thawed. It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta, if possible.
What is blackening seasoning made of?
Blackening seasoning typically includes ingredients like paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and oregano. You can make your own blend at home or purchase it pre-made.
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Save & Share
Feeling inspired? Save this recipe for later so you can whip up Blackened Chicken Fettuccine whenever the craving strikes! Share it with your friends and family, and watch them fall in love with this flavorful dish.
With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken, this Blackened Chicken Fettuccine is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and enjoy the comforting embrace of this delightful meal. Happy cooking!
Blackened Chicken Fettuccine
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring they cook evenly. This step is crucial for juicy and tender chicken. Once you’ve pounded them, season both sides generously with the blackening seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful dark crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.
- In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the peppers are tender.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, then add the cream cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Gradually mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the salt, black pepper, ground white pepper, and dried thyme. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Make sure all the noodles are covered in that luscious creamy sauce.
- While the pasta is warming in the sauce, slice the blackened chicken into strips.
- Plate the creamy fettuccine and top it with the sliced blackened chicken. Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that perfect touch.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
- Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
