Description
Looking for bold dinner ideas that are both indulgent and easy to pull off? These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli are everything you want in a comfort food dish. With crispy golden chicken and smoky, creamy Cajun-spiced Alfredo pasta, this easy dinner recipe blends texture, heat, and richness in the most satisfying way. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, cozy weekend meals, or even a crowd-pleasing food idea for your next gathering. If you’re craving a high-flavor, easy recipe that’s better than takeout, this one’s a must-try!
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil (for frying)
8 ounces gemelli pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
optional: lemon juice (for brightness)
Instructions
1. Set up your dredging station with three bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in the panko-Parmesan mix. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
3. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Keep warm on low heat.
6. Boil gemelli pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain the rest.
7. Toss cooked pasta in Alfredo sauce. Add pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
8. Plate the pasta, top with crispy chicken bites, and garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture—pre-grated varieties don’t melt as well.
If baking the chicken instead of frying, use a wire rack for maximum crispiness and even heat circulation.
Reserve pasta water to help adjust your sauce consistency—it keeps the creaminess without watering down the flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 730
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: easy recipe, crispy chicken, Alfredo pasta, dinner ideas, creamy Cajun pasta, quick dinner