Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta recipe offers a flavorful twist on classic comfort food, combining tender, seasoned chicken morsels with a creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce enveloping perfectly cooked twisted pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner with bold, savory flavors and a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Butter 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
For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta
- 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 well and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic for Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Chicken Bites: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7–10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Make Spicy Cajun Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring gently to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss well to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Plate the saucy twisted pasta and top generously with the garlicky butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform bite-size pieces to cook evenly.
- Use a good quality twisted pasta like fusilli or rotini that helps hold the sauce well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley to add color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
