Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta brings together tender seared chicken in garlic butter, wrapped in a smoky, creamy Alfredo sauce and tossed with twisted pasta. Bold yet comforting, this one-pan dish is perfect for a weeknight indulgence or casual dinner party.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless
8 oz penne or rotini pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken pieces tossed with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly. Add Parmesan and paprika. Cook until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
4. Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta. Toss everything to coat in the Alfredo sauce and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, toast the Cajun seasoning briefly in oil before adding the chicken.
Don’t skip the fresh garlic — it’s essential for that buttery depth.
To adjust spice level, start with less Cajun seasoning and add more gradually.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, cajun alfredo, garlic butter, creamy pasta, spicy pasta