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.


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?
If you love this dish, you might also enjoy:
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Garlic Butter Meatballs with Velvety Parmesan Penne
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
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I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Did you go heavy on the jalapeños? Add extra cheese? Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
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Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta
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.