Creamy, spicy, and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta dish is the perfect balance between comfort food and bold taste. Imagine tender, juicy chicken bites coated in a luscious garlic butter glaze, paired with corkscrew pasta smothered in a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce. Each forkful gives you that creamy heat and satisfying bite that keeps you going back for more.

Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish has the “wow” factor. The creamy pasta’s velvety texture perfectly complements the crisp-edged chicken, while the Cajun spices add that unmistakable warmth. It’s hearty, indulgent, and truly irresistible.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this recipe, twisted pasta such as rotini or fusilli works wonderfully because the ridges trap the Alfredo sauce in every curl. This ensures each bite is coated with creamy, spicy goodness. If you prefer, you can use penne or rigatoni, but the twistier the pasta, the better the sauce clings.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Chicken breast – Lean, tender protein that soaks up the garlic butter flavor.
Butter – Creates a rich, silky base for cooking the chicken.
Fresh garlic – Infuses deep, aromatic flavor into the dish.
Cajun seasoning – Adds heat and depth, balancing the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce.
Heavy cream – The foundation for a luscious Alfredo sauce.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty richness to the sauce.
Twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli) – Perfect for holding onto the sauce.
Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
Fresh parsley – Brings freshness and color to the final presentation.

How To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Stir in Cajun seasoning and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine

Lower the heat and add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While making the sauce, boil twisted pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot, making sure every plate has both creamy pasta and juicy chicken bites.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is creamy and the chicken is tender. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread to mop up any extra sauce. For an extra kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on top before serving.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to trim excess fat and adjust cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook.

Is there a way to make it less spicy?

Absolutely. Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning by half and skip any extra red pepper flakes.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, but for best texture, cook the pasta fresh before serving and combine everything just before eating.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half works, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. You can also use evaporated milk for a lighter version.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended because cream-based sauces tend to separate once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites from Life with Nina:

Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for a cheesy twist.
One-Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac if you crave even more Cajun spice.
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a beefy, cheesy comfort.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a veggie-packed creamy option.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime. You can also check out more of my daily recipes on Pinterest Life with Nina.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the Cajun spice or keep it mild? Maybe added extra cheese? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Pasta, Chicken, Dinner
Method: Stovetop, One-Skillet
Cuisine: American-Cajun Inspired

Print Recipe

Description

Tender garlic-butter chicken bites tossed with creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo and twisty rotini that grabs every drop of sauce. It’s weeknight-easy, restaurant-good, and endlessly customizable.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

2. While water heats, pat chicken dry. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken in a single layer until golden and cooked through, 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter; when melted, stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; simmer gently 2-3 minutes, scraping browned bits.

6. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. If too thick, loosen with splashes of reserved pasta water.

7. Add drained pasta and chicken to the skillet; toss until glossy and coated.

8. Finish with parsley and, if you like heat, red pepper flakes. Serve hot.