I’m sharing my go-to blackened chicken pasta recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. This spicy Cajun delight combines tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and a kick of heat that’ll leave you wanting more.
The secret to this dish is the blackening seasoning on the chicken, which adds a rich, smoky flavor. I cook the chicken in a hot skillet to get that perfect crust, then serve it over pasta with a creamy sauce.
You’ll love how easy it is to make this restaurant-quality meal at home. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious dinner that’s sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for demos blackened chicken pasta
Here’s everything you need to create this spicy Cajun blackened chicken pasta at home.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts 🍗 | 1 ½ lb | Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Blackening Seasoning 🌶️ | 2 tbsp | Homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning |
| Olive Oil 🫒 | 2 tbsp | For cooking chicken and vegetables |
| Bell Peppers 🥒 | 2 whole | Any color, sliced |
| Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Yellow or red, sliced |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Penne Pasta 🍝 | 8 oz | Or other short pasta shapes |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | 1 cup | For creamy sauce |
| Parmesan Cheese 🧀 | 1 cup | Grated, for serving |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Kosher salt preferred |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Fresh Parsley 🌿 | ¼ cup | Chopped, for garnish |
[recipe_ingredient_scaler]
For the best blackening seasoning, try Tony's or Zatarain's. You can find these brands in most grocery stores or online. For Parmesan, buy a block from the deli counter and grate it fresh for the best flavor. Use high-quality heavy cream for the creamiest sauce.
No penne? Use other short pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli. For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. If you like extra heat, add more blackening seasoning or some red pepper flakes to taste.
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Keep fresh parsley wrapped in damp paper towels in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Blackened Chicken Pasta
Let me guide you through making this spicy Cajun delight that’s perfect for any meal.
🔥 Step 1: Prepare and Blacken the Chicken
Start by seasoning the 1.5 lb chicken breasts evenly with 2 tbsp blackening seasoning, pressing the spice mixture into the meat to ensure it adheres. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until almost smoking. Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until the outside is blackened and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest while you prepare the vegetables.
The blackening seasoning should create a dark crust on the chicken. If it’s not blackening properly, your skillet might not be hot enough. Adjust the heat as needed to achieve that signature Cajun crust.
🍳 Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 2 sliced bell peppers and 1 sliced onion, cooking over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and char. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant. The vegetables should be tender but still crisp, with a nice caramelized color.
Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and adjust the heat if needed. You want a nice sear on the vegetables to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
🍝 Step 3: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (use about 1 tbsp salt for every 4 cups water). Cook 8 oz penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining the penne. The pasta should be firm to the bite but not crunchy.
Using a short pasta shape like penne helps the sauce cling to the noodles. If you’re using a different pasta, adjust cooking times accordingly.
🥘 Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet with the vegetables, pour in 1 cup heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a rich, creamy consistency.
If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it with a bit of the reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
🍴 Step 5: Combine and Serve
Slice the rested blackened chicken into strips. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss until well coated. Add the sliced chicken back into the pasta and toss gently to combine. Transfer to serving plates and top with 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness.
Garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve with crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine? 🔥 Look no further than DeMo’s Blackened Chicken Pasta Recipe, a flavorful and spicy Cajun-inspired dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. This mouth-watering recipe combines the bold flavors of blackened chicken, savory pasta, and a hint of creaminess, all in one delicious and satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients to Make it Happen 🍳
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons DeMo’s Blackened Seasoning (or your favorite blackening spice blend)
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (linguine or fettuccine work well)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Blackening the chicken is a crucial step in this recipe. To achieve that perfect crust, make sure to coat the chicken evenly with DeMo’s Blackened Seasoning and sear it in a hot skillet with butter until it’s nicely charred on both sides. Then, finish cooking the chicken through to your desired level of doneness.
Cooking the Pasta to Perfection 🍝
Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside, ready to be tossed with the blackened chicken and creamy sauce.
💡 Pro tip: To take your DeMo’s Blackened Chicken Pasta Recipe to the next level, add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet with the chicken for added flavor and nutrients. You can also adjust the level of heat to your liking by using more or less blackening seasoning.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Blackened Chicken Pasta
These tried-and-tested tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality blackened chicken pasta at home every time.
Blackening Technique: To get that perfect black crust on your chicken, make sure your skillet is scorching hot before adding the chicken breasts. I heat mine until it just starts to smoke, then carefully add the chicken. This creates that signature Cajun crust.
Vegetable Preparation: For the best flavor, don’t overcrowd the skillet when sautéing the bell peppers and onion. Cook them in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to caramelize properly. This step is crucial for developing that deep, rich flavor.
Pasta Cooking Tip: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. You can use this starchy water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick. I like to add it gradually until I achieve the perfect creamy consistency that coats the penne pasta beautifully.
Sauce Enhancement: Let the heavy cream simmer for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. This concentrates the flavors and gives you a richer sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before combining with the pasta and chicken.
Nutrition Facts
540kcal
This Blackened Chicken Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines protein-rich chicken with complex carbohydrates from pasta, making it a satisfying meal. The heavy cream adds richness while the vegetables provide essential nutrients.
The dish is an excellent source of protein from the chicken, providing about 76% of the daily recommended intake per serving. You’ll also get significant amounts of dietary fiber from the vegetables and pasta, helping with digestion. The parmesan cheese contributes calcium for bone health.
While this pasta dish is indulgent due to the heavy cream and parmesan, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can make it healthier by adding more vegetables or using lighter sauce alternatives.
[recipe_ingredient_scaler]
Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
- Recipe for Boneless Pork Chops in Cast Iron Skillet: Sear and Baste to Juicy Perfection - October 3, 2026
- Recipe for Boneless Cross Rib Roast: Slow-Roasted Beef with Herb Crust - October 3, 2026
- Hamburgers in Sauce Recipe Crock Pot: Slow-Cooked Savory Delight - October 3, 2026