Name: Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoky Cajun Alfredo Gemelli
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-size chunks; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; Vegetable oil, for frying; 8 ounces gemelli pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/4 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Craving that perfect bite of crispy chicken with creamy pasta? This dish delivers big on flavor and texture. The crispy parmesan chicken bites are golden, crunchy, and packed with savory notes, while the smoky Cajun Alfredo gemelli wraps around them with a bold, creamy kick. It’s comfort food turned weeknight hero.

Whether you’re entertaining friends or indulging in a cozy solo dinner, this recipe satisfies on every level. The crunchy, seasoned chicken bites make an irresistible contrast to the rich and smoky Alfredo sauce clinging to every twist of gemelli pasta.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for This Alfredo?

Gemelli pasta is a great choice for creamy sauces because of its twisted shape—perfect for grabbing all that Alfredo goodness. However, if you don’t have gemelli on hand, feel free to use fettuccine, penne, or even rotini. The goal is to choose a pasta that holds onto sauce well.

Ingredients for the Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoky Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Chicken Breast – Tender and juicy, cut into bite-sized chunks for the perfect crisp-to-meat ratio.

Buttermilk – Helps tenderize the chicken and ensures the coating sticks well.

Flour & Seasoned Breadcrumbs – The base of your crispy coating. Choose Italian-style breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty richness to the crust.

Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cajun Seasoning – These spices layer flavor into both the chicken coating and the sauce.

Egg – Acts as a binding agent for dredging.

Gemelli Pasta – Its spiraled shape catches sauce beautifully.

Heavy Cream & Butter – Form the luscious base of the Alfredo sauce.

Fresh Garlic & Parmesan Cheese – Key for building that bold Alfredo flavor.

Cajun Seasoning & Smoked Paprika – Create that smoky twist.

Chopped Parsley & Cracked Black Pepper – Final touches that freshen up the plate.

How To Make the Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoky Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken chunks in a bowl with buttermilk, a pinch of salt, and a dash of Cajun seasoning. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In one bowl, whisk an egg. In another, combine flour, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Dip each marinated chicken piece in egg, then dredge in the seasoned coating until fully covered.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken bites in small batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Cook the Gemelli Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gemelli pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Smoky Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In a pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in parmesan, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cracked pepper. Let it thicken slightly.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked gemelli into the Alfredo sauce, making sure every twist is coated. Plate alongside the crispy chicken bites and finish with chopped parsley.

Serving and Storing Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoky Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Serve this dish immediately while the chicken is crisp and the Alfredo is hot and silky. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra cracked pepper adds a nice final touch. This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

To store leftovers, place the pasta and chicken in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk. For the chicken, reheat in an air fryer or oven to bring back the crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken bites crispy after frying?

After frying, place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess. If making ahead, re-crisp them in the oven or air fryer.

Can I bake the chicken bites instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as frying, but still tasty.

What other protein can I use?

Shrimp or tofu both work well with this dish. Adjust cook times as needed for each alternative.

Can I make the Alfredo sauce spicier?

Absolutely. Add a bit more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the chicken bites after frying (and cooling), then reheat them in the oven. The Alfredo sauce is best made fresh, as dairy doesn’t always reheat well from frozen.

What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Try broccoli, spinach, or blistered cherry tomatoes for a flavorful, colorful side.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you loved these crispy chicken bites and creamy gemelli, here are a few more irresistible pasta recipes to try next:

Explore even more pasta and dinner ideas over on my Pinterest: Life with Nina Recipes

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever that crispy-creamy craving hits.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go full Cajun or dial it back? Swap gemelli for fettuccine? I love hearing how you put your own spin on these dishes.

Questions are always welcome—let’s keep sharing and cooking together!

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoky Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop + Frying
Cuisine: American Cajun

Print Recipe

Description

These crispy parmesan chicken bites are golden and juicy with a flavorful crunch, paired with smoky Cajun Alfredo gemelli pasta for the ultimate comfort dish. Perfect for an indulgent dinner, they’re bold, creamy, and satisfying in every bite.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, marinate the chicken chunks with buttermilk, a pinch of salt, and Cajun seasoning. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

2. In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another, mix flour, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

3. Dip marinated chicken into the egg, then dredge in the breadcrumb-flour mixture until fully coated.

4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to stay crispy.

5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook gemelli pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

6. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and let it simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.

7. Stir in parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cracked black pepper. Let sauce thicken slightly.

8. Toss drained gemelli pasta into the Alfredo sauce and stir to coat evenly.

9. Plate pasta and serve with crispy chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley.