🍗 Blackened Chicken Alfredo Pasta with Peppers & Broccoli 🌶️🧄🥦
📌 Ingredients:
For the Blackened Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the Alfredo Pasta:
12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Veggies:
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1½ cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
👨🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Season & Cook the Chicken
Mix all blackening spices and coat the chicken evenly.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until blackened and fully cooked.
Let rest, then slice into strips.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a little olive oil.
Sauté bell peppers and broccoli until slightly tender but still crisp (4–5 minutes).
Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make Alfredo Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 1 min.
Pour in cream, bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and simmer until thick and creamy (3–4 mins).
Step 5: Combine Everything
Toss cooked pasta and veggies into the Alfredo sauce.
Plate the creamy pasta, then top with sliced blackened chicken.
Finish with more Parmesan and a sprinkle of herbs if desired.
💡 Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, add 2 oz of cream cheese to the Alfredo sauce while it simmers. And if you love heat, a dash of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce takes it up a notch! 🔥