Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 43 reviews
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Savor these delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired with a creamy and spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta. This quick and flavorful meal features tender chicken seared to golden perfection and tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a kick of Cajun seasoning. Combined with a rich Parmesan cream sauce and perfectly cooked twisted pasta, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or anytime comfort food craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 lb Chicken (boneless, skinless breasts or thighs)
  • 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 tsp Black pepper (adjust to taste)

Sauce and Cooking

  • 2 tbsp Olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups Heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Pasta

  • 12 oz Twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
  • Reserved pasta water (as needed for sauce consistency)

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken evenly with the Cajun seasoning to infuse it with bold flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown on all sides, ensuring they are cooked through but still juicy inside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Melt Butter: Lower the heat to medium, then add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, which adds a rich aroma to the dish.
  4. Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the twisted pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining the pasta to use later for adjusting sauce consistency.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta strands in the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your preferred sauce thickness.
  7. Add Chicken and Warm Through: Add the seared chicken back into the skillet, mixing gently to combine everything. Allow it to warm through for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together perfectly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the garlic butter chicken bites with spicy Cajun pasta hot, directly from the skillet.

Notes

  • Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your desired spice level.
  • Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor and creaminess in the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use less butter.
  • Chicken thighs provide extra moisture and tenderness compared to breasts.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://savoryhomeeats.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-with-spicy-cajun-pasta-recipe/