Grilled: Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Instructions:

1. Place the trimmed chicken breast in a large bowl. Season with Zatarain's blackened seasoning, Zatarain's blackened seasoning (big and zesty blend), garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, beer, and olive oil. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 30-60 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Make the homemade Alfredo Sauce as outlined in the "Sauces" section.

3. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. This will be for your pasta and, eventually, the entire dish.

4. Preheat the grill to medium/high. Grill the marinated chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 178 degrees Fahrenheit (about 81 degrees Celsius). Monitor the grill as you proceed with the next steps.

   • Grilling Chicken: For optimal flavor and texture, aim for pronounced grill marks or char on both sides of the chicken. Once achieved, lower the heat to medium/low to finish cooking. This method ensures the chicken is cooked through without losing moisture.

5. Once the water boils, cook the pasta until al dente. Then, drain the pasta in a strainer and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.

   • While grilling, don't discard the marinade. Instead, use it to brush onto the chicken occasionally. This enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken moist during the cooking process.

6. Return the drained pasta to the large pot. By now, your Alfredo sauce should be thoroughly mixed and thickened. Pour the hot Alfredo sauce over the pasta in the pot, stirring well to combine.

7. Assuming the chicken is grilled to perfection by this point, squeeze some lemon juice over it for added flavor. Thinly slice the chicken, then add it to the pot with the Alfredo pasta, mixing gently to distribute the chicken evenly. See notes.

   • Lemon Juice: After grilling, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and drizzle lemon juice over both sides.

8. Add green onions based on preference, then serve.

   • Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the chicken reabsorb its juices.