Description
This *Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta* is where bold Southern heat meets smooth, cheesy comfort. Golden-seared chicken bites are seasoned and cooked to perfection, paired with twisted rotini pasta coated in a spicy, velvety cheddar Cajun sauce. It’s weeknight-friendly and absolutely crave-worthy.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
2 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz rotini pasta
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Season the chicken chunks with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large non-stick or cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear the chicken bites until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving a bit of pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced jalapeños. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in heavy cream. Slowly whisk in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with more Cajun spice, salt, and pepper if needed.
6. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until fully coated. Use a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency, if needed.
7. Plate the creamy pasta, top with the seared chicken bites, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra creaminess, use freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-shredded bags.
Don’t overcook the garlic or it’ll become bitter—1 to 2 minutes is just right.
Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: creamy jalapeño chicken pasta, Cajun cheddar pasta