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Lemon Cajun Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Herb Alfredo Twists

Lemon Cajun Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Herb Alfredo Twists

Nora
Bring restaurant-level comfort to your weeknight with juicy lemon‑kissed Cajun chicken bites and twirl-worthy rotini coated in a velvety garlic‑herb Alfredo. The spice-crusted chicken adds a lively kick, fresh lemon brightens every bite, and the creamy Parmesan sauce clings to every pasta twist for maximum flavor. This easy dinner recipe comes together fast, feeds a family, and satisfies every craving for a cozy, creamy meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, dinner ideas when guests pop in, or when you just need quick comfort food ideas that still feel special.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 860 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 4-quart pot
  • Tongs
  • Microplane zester

Ingredients
  

Chicken Bites

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken, cut in 1-inch pieces breasts or thighs
  • 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp lemon zest finely grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Alfredo Twists

  • 12 oz rotini pasta dry
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 cup reserved pasta water as needed for thinning
  • lemon wedges for serving, optional

Instructions
 

  • Season Chicken: Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  • Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and cook chicken 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  • Cook Pasta: Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.
  • Make Alfredo: Melt butter in the skillet over medium. Add garlic 30–45 seconds. Pour in cream; simmer 2–3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth; stir in parsley and thyme. Season to taste.
  • Combine: Add pasta to the sauce, loosening with reserved pasta water until glossy and silky.
  • Serve: Top with Cajun chicken bites, squeeze of lemon, and extra parsley. Enjoy hot.

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the rub or sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest Alfredo.

Nutrition

Calories: 860kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 47gFat: 62gSaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 295mgSodium: 1250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 3mg
Keyword alfredo pasta, Cajun chicken, creamy garlic, dinner ideas, easy recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal
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