Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac with Crispy Onion Topping is a comforting and indulgent dish that brings crispy, tender chicken together with creamy, Cajun-spiced Alfredo macaroni. Topped with golden fried onions and finished with fresh herbs, it’s a crave-worthy weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup crispy fried onions
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, season chicken pieces with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches until browned and fully cooked. In the final minute, stir in minced garlic. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In the same pot over medium heat, melt butter and add cream cheese. Stir until smooth. Pour in heavy cream and milk, mixing well. Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Lower heat and add Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
5. Add cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to coat. Plate the mac, top with garlic butter chicken, and sprinkle crispy onions and fresh parsley over the top.
Notes
For crispier chicken, avoid crowding the pan—sear in batches.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture.
If reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the Alfredo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 725
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, Cajun Alfredo, creamy pasta