This Blackened Chicken Pasta is a tasty blend of spicy, smoky chicken served on a bed of creamy pasta. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Plus, the blackened spices add a fun kick that makes each bite exciting! I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to brighten things up. So delicious! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is best for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier texture, or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
Spices: The blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper is essential for the blackened flavor. If cayenne is too spicy for you, reduce the amount or use smoked paprika for a milder taste.
Pasta: Rotini works well, but feel free to substitute with penne or fusilli. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are good options if you’re looking for healthier choices.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Blackened Chicken?
Blackening chicken is all about the right cooking method and temperature. You want a hot skillet to create that flavorful crust. Here’s how to do it well:
- Make sure your chicken is patted dry before adding the spices. This helps them stick better.
- Use a good amount of oil to prevent sticking and help develop a nice crust.
- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat. You should hear a sizzle as soon as it hits the pan.
- Let it cook without moving it too much so it can form a nice blackened crust. Check after 5-7 minutes.
- Flip only once to keep it juicy, and ensure it cooks through.
Blackened Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or your preferred shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Blackened Chicken Pasta takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Blackening Spice:
In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This will create your flavorful blackening seasoning.
2. Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken, making sure they are well coated for maximum flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are nicely blackened on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the pasta.
4. Cook the Pasta:
In a pot, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Create the Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
6. Add Cream and Cheese:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir constantly. Let it simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
8. Serve with Chicken:
Slice the blackened chicken into strips and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
9. Enjoy!
Serve immediately and relish the creamy, spicy flavors of your Blackened Chicken Pasta!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is a great choice for holding onto the creamy sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also excellent alternatives!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you like more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mixture. Alternatively, you can add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to revive the sauce’s consistency if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the blackened chicken and sauce in advance. Simply store them separately in the fridge and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. This can save time on busy weeknights!