Description
This Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Pasta recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken seasoned with Cajun spices and sautéed to perfection, paired with a creamy, garlicky Alfredo pasta that has a spicy kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a great weeknight dinner that’s rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs for added juiciness)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Avocado oil can be used for a higher smoke point)
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (Adjust amounts to fit your heat preference)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Fresh minced garlic is recommended for the best taste)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Use salted butter if preferred, adjusting salt later)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Substitute with basil or omit if you don’t have any)
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Use freshly grated for best melting results)
- 12 oz Twisted Pasta (Rotini or Fusilli) (Gluten-free pasta is an option)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels, then cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces. Generously season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the seasoned chicken bites and sauté for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Melt Butter: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well and bringing it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese along with salt and black pepper to taste, creating a smooth Alfredo sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook twisted pasta according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the rest.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with Alfredo sauce and toss well to coat. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick to reach desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked garlic butter chicken to the skillet, stirring gently to combine everything. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes over medium heat to meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs.
- Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a higher smoke point.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference.
- Fresh minced garlic is recommended for best flavor.
- Use salted butter and adjust salt in the sauce accordingly if preferred.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used for dietary needs.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- You can substitute parsley with fresh basil or omit the herbs if unavailable.
