Description
This dish brings together crispy parmesan-crusted chicken bites and creamy smoky Cajun Alfredo tossed with gemelli pasta. It’s a comfort food fusion that delivers bold, satisfying flavors with contrasting textures that hit every craving.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided for breading and sauce)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, whisked 8 oz gemelli pasta
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste) salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
- Set up three breading bowls: one with flour (salt and pepper), one with whisked eggs, one with panko mixed with half of the parmesan.
- Coat chicken pieces in flour, then egg, then the parmesan-panko mixture.
- Set aside. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken bites in batches, cooking 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer to paper towels or a wire rack.
- Boil gemelli pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
- Let it simmer until thickened slightly.
- Add remaining parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce.
- Plate with crispy chicken bites on the side or over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, bake the chicken bites instead of frying.
Reheat leftovers by storing chicken and pasta separately to keep textures intact.
Use freshly grated parmesan for both breading and sauce to avoid graininess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying and Boiling
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1/4 of total
- Calories: 645
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: parmesan chicken, Cajun Alfredo, creamy pasta, crispy chicken, weeknight dinner