Description
Golden, crispy parmesan-coated chicken bites meet a creamy, smoky Cajun Alfredo pasta in this unforgettable comfort food mashup. This easy dinner idea is a perfect fusion of texture and flavor, ideal for anyone who loves crispy chicken and rich pasta. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner recipes, food ideas for the family, or a new favorite comfort meal, this easy recipe checks every box. Try this bold yet simple dinner idea that turns weeknight cooking into something special.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz fettuccine
Salt, for boiling water
Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko, parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Optional: double coat for extra crunch.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.
5. Boil salted water and cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
6. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add cream, then whisk in parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Simmer to thicken.
7. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, thinning with pasta water as needed.
8. Plate pasta, top with crispy chicken bites, and garnish with chives or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest Alfredo.
Double-coating the chicken adds extra crunch.
Store pasta and chicken separately to keep textures perfect when reheating.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner / Comfort Food
- Method: Pan-Fried + Stovetop
- Cuisine: American with Cajun influence
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (chicken + pasta)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: easy dinner, crispy chicken, alfredo pasta, comfort food, cajun chicken, parmesan bites, food ideas, easy recipe