Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

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Golden-crisp chicken bites coated in jalapeño-garlic seasoning meet a swirl of rotini drenched in velvety cheddar Cajun sauce – this dish is the definition of indulgent comfort food with a kick. Every forkful is a flavor-packed combination: tender pasta coated in creamy, smoky spice and juicy chicken bites with just the right amount of heat.

Perfect for cozy nights, special dinners, or when you just need to treat yourself, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a gourmet-style meal. It balances creamy richness, a touch of spice, and crispy textures, making it a standout at the dinner table.


Why You’ll Love This Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

This recipe is an all-in-one comfort meal – crispy protein, indulgent sauce, and satisfying pasta in every bite. The Cajun seasoning gives it a smoky depth, while the cheddar sauce adds that luscious creaminess. Jalapeño brings a mild but noticeable kick that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a recipe you can dress up for guests or keep casual for weeknight dinners.


What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Rotini is our top pick because its twists hold onto every drop of that rich cheddar Cajun sauce, delivering maximum flavor in each bite. However, penne or cavatappi are great alternatives if you want something equally good at catching sauce. Just make sure your pasta has ridges or curves – smooth noodles can’t cling to the sauce as well.


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Ingredients for the Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen to create layers of flavor and texture.

  • Chicken breast – Lean, tender protein.
  • Fresh jalapeños – Brings bright, fresh heat.
  • Garlic cloves – Savory, aromatic base.
  • Cajun seasoning – Smoky, bold flavor.
  • Rotini pasta – Twists trap sauce.
  • Cheddar cheese – Sharp, creamy melt.
  • Heavy cream – Silky sauce texture.
  • Butter – Adds richness.
  • Olive oil – For searing.
  • Salt & pepper – Flavor enhancers.

How To Make the Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Step 1: Prep the chicken and vegetables

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, finely chop jalapeños, and mince garlic.

Step 2: Season the chicken

Toss with olive oil, jalapeños, garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Sear to perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove.

Step 4: Cook the pasta

Boil rotini until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

Step 5: Make the sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet, stir in cream and cheese until smooth. Season.

Step 6: Combine

Add pasta and chicken, toss with sauce, use pasta water to loosen if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Plate hot, garnish with extra jalapeños or Cajun seasoning.


Serving and Storing This Dish

This recipe makes enough to feed 4 hungry people generously. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style dinner, or plate individually for a more elegant presentation. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.


What to Serve With Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery bread to soak up extra sauce.

Roasted Veggies

Balance the richness with colorful roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.

Side Salad

A crisp Caesar or garden salad keeps the meal fresh and light.

Cornbread Muffins

Sweet and crumbly muffins pair beautifully with Cajun spice.

Grilled Asparagus

Adds a smoky green crunch.

Sweet Tea or Lemonade

Cool, refreshing drinks to balance the heat.

Jalapeño Poppers

If you want to double down on the spice.


Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

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Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Nora
A creamy, spicy, and irresistibly comforting dish, this Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Juicy chicken bites are seasoned with jalapeño and garlic, seared to perfection, then tossed with rotini pasta in a velvety cheddar Cajun sauce. This hearty, flavor-packed recipe combines comfort food satisfaction with a hint of heat, making it a top choice for dinner ideas, easy recipes, and comfort meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 620 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop jalapeños, and mince garlic.
  • Toss chicken with olive oil, jalapeños, garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  • Cook rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter, stir in heavy cream and cheddar until smooth. Add Cajun seasoning to taste.
  • Add pasta and chicken to the sauce, toss to coat, and adjust consistency with pasta water.
  • Serve hot, garnished with jalapeño slices or extra Cajun seasoning.

Notes

For extra heat, keep some jalapeño seeds in the mix. Add more cheese for an ultra-creamy sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 35gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 860mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 320mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword chicken pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, jalapeño chicken
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