Description
This Cajun Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Herb Alfredo Twists recipe combines tender, spicy chicken bites with a rich and velvety garlic herb Alfredo pasta. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish balances the warmth of Cajun seasoning with the creaminess of parmesan-based sauce, tossed together with perfectly cooked rotini pasta and fresh herbs for garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Alfredo Sauce & Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel to ensure proper browning during cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces thoroughly in Cajun seasoning until well coated, which will give them their distinctive spicy flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter. Cook the chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain while reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a little more butter or oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir gently. Slowly add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes melted, smooth, and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta directly into the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time if you need to loosen the sauce to the desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Return the Cajun chicken bites to the skillet with the pasta or plate the chicken beside the pasta. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley or dill. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps smooth out the Alfredo sauce without thinning it too much.
- For added flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts as they stay juicier.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-grated varieties, enhancing the sauce texture.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.
