Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Craving a bold, flavorful dinner that’s ready in under 40 minutes? This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta combines juicy, golden chicken bites with a creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce tossed with twisted pasta. It’s a perfect mix of comfort and heat, ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Pasta:
- 12 oz twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Bring It All Together: Return the chicken bites to the skillet and gently toss to combine. Let everything heat through for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Plate the dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 850 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the Heat: Dial up or down the spice by tweaking the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a low-fat cheese alternative.
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Try it tonight and spice up your dinner routine! Let us know in the comments how it turned out or share your own twists on this recipe.
Happy Cooking! 🌶️🍝