Description
A flavorful and creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served atop spicy Cajun Alfredo twisted pasta. This dish combines tender chicken seasoned with smoked paprika and Cajun spices with a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce spiced up with Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, tossed with fusilli or rotini pasta for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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
Pasta & 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic for Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet along with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, around 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Prepare Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, along with salt and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta topped with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- You can adjust the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan yields a smoother sauce compared to pre-grated cheese.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Fusilli or rotini pasta works best to hold the creamy sauce with their twists and spirals.
