Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful meal perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender chicken bites are sautéed with garlic and Cajun spices, then tossed with twisted pasta in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce with a spicy kick. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish combines buttery garlic goodness with bold Cajun flavors for a satisfying and easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Twisted Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Bites: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in 1.5 cups of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently as you slowly add 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir in 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat each piece of pasta evenly with the creamy, spicy Alfredo sauce.
- Serve: Plate the sauced pasta and top generously with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fusilli or rotini pasta for the best sauce cling.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated for a creamier sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Garnishing with parsley adds freshness and enhances the presentation.
