Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac with Crispy Onion Topping

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If comfort food had a face, it would look exactly like this: tender garlic butter chicken bites paired with rich and creamy Cajun Alfredo mac, crowned with a golden crisp of fried onions. This dish is bold, indulgent, and absolutely satisfying—an ideal dinner for cozy nights or for showing off at your next gathering.

The creamy Cajun mac delivers deep flavor from seasoned cream sauce and perfectly cooked noodles, while the chicken bites are marinated and seared until they form a crispy, buttery crust that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of meal that stops the table chatter and turns it into mmm’s.

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What Kind of Chicken and Pasta Should I Use?

For the chicken, go with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts work great for quicker cooking. Just be sure to cut them into even-sized bites for even searing.

As for pasta, elbow macaroni or cavatappi are perfect for catching all the creamy Cajun Alfredo goodness. You want those ridges or holes to hold onto that sauce!

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac

Chicken Bites:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The main protein—tender and juicy when seared properly.
• Butter and Olive Oil: This combo gives you flavor and helps the chicken brown nicely.
• Minced Garlic: Brings the buttery sauce to life with aromatic punch.
• Paprika, Onion Powder, Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings for a rich flavor profile.

Cajun Alfredo Mac:

• Elbow Macaroni or Cavatappi Pasta: Great for soaking up that creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: The base for your Alfredo sauce.
• Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Adds richness and tangy depth to the Alfredo.
• Cajun Seasoning: Gives the sauce a warm, spicy kick.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Round out the Alfredo flavor.
• Fried Crispy Onions (store-bought or homemade): Add texture and a savory crunch.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a hint of freshness.

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How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites

Season the chicken pieces with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Sear the chicken bites in batches until golden and cooked through. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni or cavatappi according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In the same pot used for pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and whole milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Add in the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in grated Parmesan until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Assemble

Toss the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce and stir well to coat. Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Finish with a generous handful of crispy fried onions and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

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How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac

Serve this dish hot, straight from the stove. It’s perfect on its own, but you can pair it with a light side salad or some crusty garlic bread to round out the meal. For added heat, sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring the Alfredo sauce back to life. The crispy onions are best added fresh, so store them separately if possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the Cajun Alfredo sauce?

It’s got a warm kick but isn’t overwhelmingly hot. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely. Shrimp, steak bites, or even crispy tofu would work well with this Alfredo mac.

What kind of Cajun seasoning do you recommend?

Use a blend that includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper. Store-bought versions work great too!

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes! Cook the pasta and chicken ahead and refrigerate separately. Reheat and combine with the sauce when ready to serve for the best texture.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. A mix of milk and a small amount of cream cheese can help thicken it up.

Are crispy onions necessary?

They’re optional, but highly recommended! They add a fun crunch and extra depth of flavor.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into cozy, satisfying pasta meals, you’ll love exploring these other crowd-pleasers:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce
• One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy with your Cajun? Did you try it with shrimp or add veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with flavor and flair.

Explore more daily recipe inspiration on my Pinterest: Life with Nina

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