Description

Craving something crispy, creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor? These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoked Cajun Alfredo are the ultimate easy dinner idea that combines golden, crunchy chicken with a rich, Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce over tender fettuccine. Perfect for a cozy night in, an impressive dish for guests, or simply upgrading your usual dinner routine. This recipe brings together comfort food and bold flavor with minimal fuss—making it an excellent pick for quick weeknight meals, indulgent weekend eats, or irresistible food ideas for gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, something fun for the whole family, or a reliable recipe to add to your rotation, this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup olive oil or neutral oil (for pan-frying)

8 oz fettuccine pasta

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup heavy cream

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut chicken breasts into even bite-sized cubes and pat dry.

2. Set up breading stations: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of Panko and Parmesan.

3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

4. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg, then press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.

5. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook chicken bites in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

6. Meanwhile, cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

7. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.

8. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.

9. Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Adjust with pasta water for desired consistency.

10. Toss pasta with sauce. Serve alongside crispy chicken bites and garnish with parsley.

Notes

For extra crispiness, try double-dipping the chicken: egg → crumbs → egg → crumbs.

The sauce thickens as it cools—add a splash of milk or pasta water when reheating.

Smoked paprika is key for depth—don’t substitute it with regular paprika if you want that signature flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Fried / Stovetop
Cuisine: American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 780
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 22g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 43g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: easy dinner, crispy chicken, Cajun pasta, Alfredo, comfort food