Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta
A bold and creamy dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken bites in garlic butter and a spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce with twisted pasta.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time45 minutesmins
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4servings
Equipment
Large Skillet
Large Pot
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
1.5lbsboneless, skinless chickencut into bite-sized pieces
3tablespoonsbutterfor chicken bites
4clovesgarlicminced for chicken bites
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
1teaspoonCajun seasoning
Salt and black pepperto taste
Pasta
12oztwisted pastafusilli or rotini
Alfredo Sauce
2tablespoonsbutterfor Alfredo sauce
3clovesgarlicminced for Alfredo sauce
1.5cupsheavy cream
1cupgrated Parmesan cheese
0.5cupshredded mozzarella cheese
1teaspoonCajun seasoningadjust to taste
0.5teaspooncrushed red pepper flakesoptional, for extra heat
Fresh parsleychopped for garnish
Instructions
Pat dry and season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet in the last 2 minutes, tossing well. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
While chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add twisted pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat in the sauce. Return the chicken bites to the pan with any juices. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until creamy.
Transfer to plates or a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. Adjust the spice level to your preference!