Description
This Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta is a flavorful and comforting meal featuring tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, combined with a cheesy, creamy sauce infused with fresh jalapeños and garlic. The creamy cheddar pasta perfectly complements the spicy kick of the jalapeños, making it an irresistible dish for those who love a little heat and rich flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 to 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Additional butter (about 1 tablespoon) for sautéing garlic and jalapeños
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Extra jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and reserve a small amount of pasta water for later.
- Sauté Garlic and Jalapeños: In the same skillet, add a little more butter. Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced jalapeños, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until warmed through and combined with the garlic and jalapeños.
- Melt the Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, mixing well to coat each piece with the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer and Meld Flavors: Let the mixture cook on low heat for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together fully.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra jalapeño slices if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, creamy jalapeño garlic chicken pasta.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your heat preference.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Use sharp cheddar for best flavor, or substitute with a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free creamer.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
