Description
Get ready to impress your taste buds with Cajun Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Herb Alfredo Twists — a bold and comforting fusion perfect for dinner ideas, easy recipes, and quick meals that feel gourmet. Tender Cajun-spiced chicken bites are pan-seared until golden and paired with creamy garlic herb Alfredo-coated rotini pasta for a rich and satisfying dish. It’s the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy — ideal for easy dinners, family meals, or new food ideas to break the routine. Whether you’re after a high-protein comfort meal or exploring quick dinner ideas, this one’s a must-try.
Ingredients
500g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp butter
250g rotini pasta
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup cream cheese
0.5 tsp dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
0.25 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Season chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for 10–15 minutes.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook rotini pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter, and sear chicken in a single layer (in batches if needed) for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth.
5. Season sauce with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
6. Add cooked rotini to the Alfredo sauce and stir to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
7. Plate the pasta and top with Cajun chicken bites.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional dill. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest Alfredo texture — it melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing the chicken — it needs room to brown properly.
A splash of reserved pasta water helps loosen the Alfredo and create a silky, restaurant-style finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: easy recipe, dinner ideas, Cajun chicken, Alfredo pasta, creamy garlic sauce