Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta 1

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Golden seared chicken bites coated in garlicky butter, paired with creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta, is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Every forkful is a balance of bold spices, rich creaminess, and juicy chicken that keeps you coming back for more. This dish is hearty yet indulgent, perfect for when you want something quick but unforgettable.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its contrast. The chicken brings buttery tenderness with a hint of crisp edges, while the pasta carries the smoky warmth of Cajun seasoning wrapped in silky Alfredo sauce. It’s a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough to whip up at home in under an hour.


Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

This recipe combines two favorites—flavor-packed chicken and creamy pasta—into one dish. It’s versatile enough for a family dinner, a cozy date night, or even meal prep for the week. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to your liking.


What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cajun Alfredo?

While twisted pasta (like rotini or gemelli) holds the sauce beautifully, you can swap it with penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. The key is choosing a pasta shape that clings to the Alfredo so every bite is creamy and flavorful.


Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

This recipe relies on everyday ingredients that come together for a bold, creamy, and satisfying dish. Each ingredient plays a role in balancing spice, richness, and texture.

  • Chicken Breast – Lean and tender, chicken breast is ideal for cutting into bite-sized pieces that sear quickly and soak up the garlic butter flavor.
  • Butter – The base of that rich garlic sauce, giving the chicken its signature golden sear and flavor.
  • Garlic – Minced fresh garlic brings a bold punch, infusing both the chicken and the sauce.
  • Olive Oil – Helps prevent the butter from burning while keeping the chicken juicy.
  • Cajun Seasoning – The heart of the recipe, adding smoky, spicy notes that give the Alfredo sauce its signature Cajun kick.
  • Heavy Cream – Creates a velvety base for the Alfredo sauce, balancing the spice with richness.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan adds depth and a salty nuttiness to the sauce.
  • Twisted Pasta (Rotini or Gemelli) – The spirals trap the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is creamy and flavorful.
  • Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta sauce.
  • Parsley – Fresh parsley gives a burst of color and freshness to balance the richness.
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How To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

This dish is built in layers—first the flavorful chicken, then the creamy Cajun Alfredo, and finally combining everything into a comforting pasta masterpiece.

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your twisted pasta (like rotini or gemelli) according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and half the butter. Add seasoned chicken breast pieces and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in heavy cream. Stir in Cajun seasoning and bring to a gentle simmer. Add parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

Fold in the cooked pasta, coating every twist with the Cajun Alfredo sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan before serving.


Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

This recipe makes about 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Serve it hot straight from the skillet for the creamiest texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the silky smoothness of the sauce.

If you’d like to freeze this dish, it’s best to freeze the chicken separately and make the sauce fresh, as cream-based sauces can sometimes split after thawing.


What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta?

This dish is bold and comforting on its own, but pairing it with sides makes the meal feel complete.

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.

2. Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini add color and extra nutrients.

4. Caesar Salad

The tangy, creamy dressing of a Caesar salad pairs beautifully with the spiced Alfredo.

5. Steamed Green Beans

Lightly seasoned green beans offer a crisp, refreshing bite alongside the hearty pasta.

6. Grilled Corn on the Cob

A smoky-sweet side that complements the Cajun flavors.

7. Freshly Baked Dinner Rolls

Soft rolls are a comforting addition for anyone who loves extra bread with pasta.

8. Sparkling Lemon Water

For a refreshing contrast, serve with a citrusy sparkling drink to cleanse the palate.


Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting pasta creations from my kitchen:


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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you keep it extra spicy, or make it more kid-friendly? Did you use rotini, penne, or another pasta?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and pasta ideas on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to dish!

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta 1

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta


  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Ready for a dinner that tastes like your favorite restaurant pasta but comes together fast at home? These juicy garlic-butter chicken bites meet a silky Cajun Alfredo and twisted pasta that hugs every drop of sauce. It is bold, creamy, and cozy—perfect for busy weeknights, date night in, or meal prep. This easy recipe doubles as a quick dinner idea and a crowd-pleasing comfort food classic with just the right kick. Think easy dinner, weeknight pasta, and family-friendly with big flavor and minimal fuss. If you are hunting for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, or simple food ideas to keep everyone happy—this one is a keeper.


Ingredients

1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bites

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or gemelli)

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/22 tsp Cajun seasoning (to taste)

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Extra Parmesan, for serving


Instructions

1. Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain and set aside.

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

3. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic; saute 30-45 seconds.

5. Pour in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; simmer 2-3 minutes.

6. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth and creamy. If too thick, loosen with splashes of reserved pasta water.

7. Return chicken and any juices; toss in sauce. Add pasta and fold to coat every twist.

8. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Notes

Spice control: Use 1 tsp Cajun for mild, 2 tsp for medium heat; add red pepper flakes for extra kick.

Creamy texture tip: Add cheese off a hard boil to prevent graininess; thin with pasta water for perfect cling.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 820
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 980
  • Fat: 42
  • Saturated Fat: 22
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 65
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 45
  • Cholesterol: 185

Keywords: easy dinner, Cajun Alfredo, chicken pasta, weeknight pasta, comfort food

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