Name: Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Southern + Italian)
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless); 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style); 2 eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; Oil for frying; 12 oz gemelli pasta; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped chives, for garnish (optional); Salt, to taste; Pasta water, as needed

Craving something that delivers both crunch and creaminess in every bite? This dish does exactly that. The Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites bring that irresistible crispy coating with juicy tenderness inside, while the Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli wraps your fork in creamy, smoky richness with just enough kick to keep it interesting.

Whether you’re serving a cozy weeknight dinner or want to impress guests without the fuss, this flavor-packed combo hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels a bit indulgent but remains easy enough to make on a regular basis.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the most of this recipe, having the right tools can make prep and cooking much smoother:

Heavy-bottomed Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: Ideal for getting that golden, crispy crust on the chicken bites. Retains heat evenly and gives consistent searing.
Large Pot: Needed for boiling the gemelli pasta. Go for something spacious so the pasta can move freely and cook evenly.
Sheet Tray with Wire Rack (optional): Perfect for oven-finishing the chicken if you want extra crispiness without extra oil.
Tongs & Slotted Spoon: For flipping and removing chicken without losing the crunchy crust.
Whisk: Essential for getting a velvety, lump-free Alfredo sauce.
Food Thermometer (optional but helpful): To check if the chicken bites hit that juicy 165°F mark inside.

Ingredients for the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Chicken Breast (Boneless, Skinless): The base for our bites. Choose fresh, firm chicken for optimal juiciness.
Parmesan Cheese (Finely Grated): Delivers a salty, umami-rich crust that crisps beautifully when pan-fried.
Breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian-style): Adds crunch and structure to the coating.
Eggs: Help bind the coating to each piece for an even fry.
All-Purpose Flour: The first step in the dredging process, helping everything else stick.
Gemelli Pasta: Twisted shape clings to the Alfredo sauce perfectly, giving you more flavor in each bite.
Butter: The base for the Alfredo, adding richness and helping toast the spices.
Garlic (Minced): Infuses the sauce with savory depth.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings smoky heat and that signature Southern flair to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The luxurious body of the Alfredo sauce.
Smoked Paprika: Adds that subtle smoky undertone that elevates the whole dish.
Fresh Parmesan (for the sauce): Melts into the cream for a thick, cheesy finish.
Chives (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh bite.

How To Make the Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Step 1: Prep and Dredge the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Dredge each piece in flour, dip into the egg, then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mix.

Step 2: Pan Fry the Chicken Bites

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a generous amount of oil. Once hot, add the coated chicken bites. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a wire rack or paper towel.

Step 3: Cook the Gemelli Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the gemelli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Smoked Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In a clean skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add cooked gemelli to the Alfredo sauce, tossing gently to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen. Plate with crispy chicken bites arranged around the pasta, and garnish with fresh chives.

Serving and Storing This Flavor-Packed Recipe

This dish is best served fresh—especially those chicken bites. The crispy coating has maximum crunch right out of the pan, making it a great meal to enjoy immediately. Plate it with the creamy gemelli in the center and the golden chicken bites fanned around for an eye-catching presentation.

For a side, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies adds balance. Want even more comfort? Add garlic bread to scoop up extra Alfredo sauce.

To store leftovers, keep the pasta and chicken separate in airtight containers. The pasta will stay creamy up to 3 days in the fridge. The chicken bites can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to revive their crunch.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish, as the sauce may separate and the breading can turn soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of gemelli pasta?

You can use penne, rotini, or fettuccine—just choose a shape that grabs onto sauce well.

How spicy is the Cajun Alfredo sauce?

It has a warm kick, not an overwhelming heat. If you’re spice-sensitive, use less Cajun seasoning and skip the smoked paprika.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F on a wire rack for 18–20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. You can also lightly spray with oil for extra crisp.

Is there a lighter version of the Alfredo sauce?

You can substitute half-and-half or use a mix of milk and Greek yogurt, but it won’t be as rich. Parmesan will still bring creaminess.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Dredge and chill the chicken in the fridge, then cook fresh. The Alfredo sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated with a splash of cream.

What proteins can I substitute for chicken?

Shrimp or tofu work well. Shrimp cooks fast and pairs beautifully with Cajun flavors, while tofu holds up well with the crusted coating.

Want More Creamy Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you loved the blend of creamy Alfredo and bold Cajun spice, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting meals too.

The Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta bring the same indulgent richness with a twist on texture. For a crowd-pleaser that adds extra spice, try the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta.

Prefer beef but still love Alfredo? The Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is a creamy-meets-hearty favorite.

For a veggie-forward spin, don’t miss the Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower, which also makes a great side to this dish.

Or for a fusion of spice and comfort, explore the boldness of Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta — it carries that same fire-kissed creaminess that fans of Cajun Alfredo adore.

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Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken bites paired with smoky Cajun Alfredo-coated gemelli pasta. A comfort meal that brings together bold Southern flavors and creamy Italian richness in one plate.

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks.

2. Set up dredging station: one bowl of flour, one of beaten eggs, and one with Parmesan mixed with breadcrumbs.

3. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then coat in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.

4. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry chicken pieces 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels or wire rack.

5. Boil gemelli pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

6. In a separate skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

7. Stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then add heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened.

8. Mix in grated Parmesan until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

9. Add pasta to sauce and toss gently. Add reserved pasta water if needed.

10. Serve pasta on plates with chicken bites arranged around. Garnish with chopped chives.