Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

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Craving a creamy, spicy pasta dish that brings bold flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen? This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta recipe is your next dinner favorite. It packs savory garlic butter seared chicken with smoky Cajun spice and rich Alfredo sauce, all wrapped around al dente pasta for a cozy, satisfying bite.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend splurge, this recipe balances the fiery Cajun punch with a mellow creaminess that keeps you coming back for more. And best of all, it’s made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, gathering your tools makes the process seamless and mess-free. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Skillet or Saute Pan: This is your main cooking vessel, allowing the chicken to brown evenly and the sauce to simmer gently without burning.
• Medium Saucepan: Ideal for boiling your pasta to a perfect al dente texture.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping the chicken and garlic efficiently and safely.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurement ensures balance in spice and sauce.
• Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Helps you flip and toss the chicken bites evenly without tearing.

Having these tools ready makes cooking faster, safer, and more enjoyable. A good pan and knife can make all the difference when layering flavor into a one-pan dish like this.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless, skinless pieces make for quick cooking and tender bites.
• Pasta (Penne or Rotini): Their ridges hold onto the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce perfectly.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter and elevates the chicken.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to both the chicken and sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The creamy base that smooths out the Cajun spice.
• Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, creating a velvety, nutty finish.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adds a bold, smoky heat. Adjust to your spice level.
• Paprika: Boosts the color and adds a gentle smoky layer.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to round out the flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken while keeping it juicy.
• Parsley (optional): Fresh garnish that cuts through the richness.

Each ingredient plays a role in making the dish comforting yet exciting—a balance of creamy, spicy, and savory.

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How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken bites (tossed with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper). Sear until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned, around 1 minute.

Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stir to combine, and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and paprika. Simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook your pasta in a separate saucepan according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together in the sauce until well coated. Let it all heat through for 2-3 more minutes.

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.

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Serving and Storing This Flavor-Packed Pasta Dish

Serve this pasta piping hot, straight from the skillet. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds the final touch. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad to complete the meal.

For storing, let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring back its creamy texture.

This dish isn’t freezer-friendly due to the dairy-based sauce, but it’s so good you likely won’t have much left!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the Cajun Alfredo sauce?

It has a warm kick but isn’t overwhelming. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, though searing fresh chicken in garlic butter adds more depth of flavor. If using pre-cooked, toss it in the garlic butter for a few minutes to infuse the taste.

What type of pasta works best?

Rotini or penne are ideal because their shape traps the creamy sauce. But any short pasta will do.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

You can use unsweetened coconut cream or a thick oat milk creamer as a substitute, but the flavor will change slightly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but for best texture, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving.

What else can I add to the dish?

Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great add-ins for extra color and nutrition.

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Want More Creamy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

You might also love my Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta if you’re craving something similar but with more heat and bell pepper sweetness.

For a casserole-style meal, check out the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, which layers spice and creaminess in every bite.

Or, if you’re after something with a Tex-Mex twist, the Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal offers bold flavor in a simple skillet format.

Feeling indulgent? The Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti brings together richness and comfort in one bubbling dish.

Need another one-pan hero? One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta is a flavorful way to switch up your protein.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your pasta dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you adjust the spice level? Add veggies? Leave a comment below or share your version!

And if you’re looking for even more easy, bold-flavored meals, follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate for daily recipes and inspiration.

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