Blackened Chicken Penne Pasta – Bold, Creamy, and Packed with Flavor

If you love bold, smoky flavors with a creamy, cheesy finish, this Blackened Chicken Penne Pasta is for you! This dish brings together tender blackened chicken, smoky poblanos, and a velvety cheese sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s rich, slightly spicy, and packed with flavor in every forkful.

What makes this dish stand out? The blackened seasoning gives the chicken a smoky depth, while Dr. C’s Magical Meat Dust adds an extra punch of umami that takes it to the next level. The poblanos add just the right amount of smokiness without being overpowering, and the creamy sauce balances everything out.

This is a quick and easy weeknight meal that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes. Let’s get started!

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 20-24 oz chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 Tbsp Old Bay or Blackened Seasoning
• 1 Tbsp Dr. C’s Magical Meat Dust
• Drizzle of oil
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

For the Pasta:

• 14-16 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup reserved pasta water

For the Sauce:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 4 Tbsp butter
• 2 C Jack (or Pepper Jack) cheese

For the Veggies:

• 2 poblano peppers, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3-4 scallions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced

Prep Work

1. Dice the poblano peppers.
2. Mince the garlic.
3. Dice the Roma tomatoes.
4. Slice the scallions, keeping whites and greens separate.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt.
2. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente.
3. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
4. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken & Veggies

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken with a drizzle of oil, Old Bay, Dr. C’s Magical Meat Dust, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate while you prep the other ingredients.

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the diced poblanos. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly blistered.
2. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink.

1. Stir in the scallion whites and garlic, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another minute.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same pot used for the pasta, add ½ cup of reserved pasta water over low heat.
2. Stir in the butter and cream cheese, whisking until smooth. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
3. Turn off the heat and stir in the pasta, Jack cheese, and blackened chicken mixture.
4. Stir until well combined and the cheese is fully melted into the sauce.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

• Plate the pasta and top with scallion greens for freshness.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and cheesy flavors!

Why This Recipe Works

✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
✔️ Bold & Flavorful – A perfect balance of spice, smokiness, and creamy goodness.
✔️ Family-Friendly – Mild enough for everyone, but easy to spice up if you like extra heat!
✔️ Customizable – Swap in different cheeses or add more veggies to make it your own.

Try this Blackened Chicken Penne Pasta and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite way to use blackened seasoning? Drop a comment below!