Description
This cozy and bold recipe features crispy garlic butter chicken bites paired with creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo twisted pasta. It’s a rich, flavor-packed meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (more if desired)
8 ounces rotini or twisted pasta
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup cream cheese
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken back and toss to coat. Set aside covered.
4. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water. Drain the rest.
5. In another pan, bring heavy cream to a simmer. Stir in cream cheese until smooth.
6. Add Parmesan and more Cajun seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
7. Add pasta and toss to coat. Loosen with pasta water if needed.
8. Plate pasta, top with chicken, and garnish with parsley and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature to avoid clumps in the sauce.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and texture.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, spicy Cajun Alfredo, twisted pasta