Description
This bold and creamy dish brings together juicy lemon-Cajun chicken bites and creamy garlic herb Alfredo pasta—perfectly paired for an unforgettable meal. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners, indulgent enough for special occasions, and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner idea, easy recipe for guests, or a hearty, protein-packed meal prep option, this one has you covered. Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, healthy dinner ideas, spicy chicken, Alfredo twist, food ideas.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
8 ounces rotini pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
2. In a bowl, toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
3. Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until cooked through. Add garlic during the last minute. Remove from pan and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, lower heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
6. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.
8. Add pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
9. Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning.
10. Plate the Alfredo pasta and top with lemon Cajun chicken bites. Garnish with more parsley and Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra brightness, add lemon zest on top right before serving.
Always grate your Parmesan fresh—pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t overcook the chicken—keep it juicy by searing on high heat and pulling it off as soon as it’s done.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, chicken Alfredo, Cajun chicken, food ideas