Description
Golden, garlicky chicken bites meet creamy Cajun Alfredo macaroni in this ultimate comfort dish, finished with a crunchy layer of crispy onions. Perfect for an easy dinner, weeknight treat, or weekend crowd-pleaser, this recipe blends Southern spice with Italian creaminess for a rich, indulgent flavor experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, a cozy comfort food fix, or something to impress at your next gathering, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac will become a favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients
500 g boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning divided
300 g elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup crispy fried onions
2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken until golden brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in heavy cream, whisking to combine. Add remaining Cajun seasoning and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
6. Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Return chicken to the skillet, tossing lightly to coat in sauce.
8. Transfer to serving dish, top with crispy onions and parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before searing for the best golden crust.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, richer sauce.
Serve immediately for the creamiest Alfredo texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (Southern & Italian)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 890
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 165
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, Cajun chicken, easy recipe, comfort food, dinner ideas, chicken Alfredo, Southern fusion