Blackened Chicken Alfredo from TGI Friday's features tender, spicy blackened chicken breast atop creamy fettuccine pasta smothered in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a savory and indulgent Italian-American delight.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
- Ladle
- Mixing bowl (optional for seasoning chicken)
- Plate (for resting chicken)
- Serving plates or bowls
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts and freshly grated Parmesan cheese will significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Precise measurement of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs ensures the perfect balance of heat and savory notes in the blackened chicken seasoning. Heavy cream and unsalted butter are essential for achieving the rich and creamy consistency expected in authentic Alfredo sauce. Make sure to cook the fettuccine pasta al dente for the best texture that complements the velvety sauce. Your Blackened Chicken Alfredo from TGI Friday's copycat menu will deliver a spicy, indulgent Italian-American experience with every bite.
Instructions
- Instructions Needed:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and coat both sides with olive oil.
- Rub spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet.
- Add chicken breasts and cook 5-7 minutes per side, until blackened and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet, rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly.
- Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese; mix until melted and smooth.
- Season Alfredo sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add cooked fettuccine pasta to the sauce, toss to coat evenly.
- Plate pasta and top with sliced blackened chicken.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Blackened Chicken Alfredo from TGI Friday's copycat menu combines spicy blackened chicken breast with creamy fettuccine Alfredo sauce for a flavorful and comforting meal. If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley or Italian seasoning can be used as an alternative garnish to maintain herbaceous notes. When preparing the blackened seasoning, feel free to adjust cayenne pepper levels to suit your preferred spice tolerance. Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half combined with a bit of unsalted butter for a lighter sauce without compromising creaminess. Using kitchen tools like tongs and a skillet with high heat ensures the chicken achieves that signature blackened crust essential to this dish's texture and flavor.
Tips
Ensure chicken breasts are thoroughly dried before seasoning to help the spice rub adhere better and achieve a crisp, blackened crust. Taste the Alfredo sauce before combining with pasta to adjust salt and pepper for your preferred flavor balance. When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain high heat and proper searing. Rest the cooked chicken for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices and improve tenderness.
Nutritions
Blackened Chicken Alfredo from TGI Friday's provides a high-protein meal with the tender chicken breasts delivering essential amino acids important for muscle repair and growth. The creamy Alfredo sauce, made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, adds significant calories and fats, including saturated fats, while the fettuccine pasta contributes complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Olive oil in the recipe offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and the spices used not only enhance flavor but contain antioxidants that support overall health. Your meal also includes beneficial vitamins and minerals such as calcium from Parmesan and vitamin K from fresh parsley, contributing to bone health and immune support.
Storage
To store leftover Blackened Chicken Alfredo, place the chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate your leftovers within two hours of cooking and consume them within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy Alfredo texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the blackened chicken with grilled shrimp or sauteed mushrooms to create a seafood or vegetarian variation of the dish. Swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free Alfredo sauce. For enhanced depth, marinate your chicken in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. Consider adding steamed broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra texture and flavor.
Allergies
Blackened Chicken Alfredo contains common allergens such as dairy from heavy cream, unsalted butter, and Parmesan cheese, which may cause reactions in those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The dish also includes wheat-based fettuccine pasta, posing a risk for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Your sensitivity to spices like cayenne pepper and paprika should also be considered, as they can trigger allergic or adverse reactions in some people.
Why this recipe?
The Blackened Chicken Alfredo from TGI Friday's is popular for its rich, creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly complementing the tender, smoky blackened chicken. The dish offers a balanced blend of bold spices and smooth textures that satisfy both comfort food lovers and those seeking a flavorful meal. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this restaurant-quality experience at home, customizing spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste. Your homemade dish can deliver the same indulgent satisfaction while being more affordable and fresh.