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 1/2–2 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