Description
Enjoy these indulgent Cajun Chicken Bites paired with creamy Garlic Herb Alfredo Twists for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Tender chicken morsels are seared with bold Cajun spices, then served alongside rotini pasta enveloped in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce infused with Italian herbs and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts (Cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For searing)
- ½ teaspoon Pepper (For seasoning)
Garlic Herb Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Herbs (Blend of basil, oregano, and thyme)
Pasta
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta
- 1 teaspoon Salt (For pasta water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the bite-sized chicken pieces dry, then toss them with Cajun seasoning and pepper until well coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Sear them for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the cream simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herb blend. Continue to stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season to taste if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve with Cajun Chicken: Return the seared Cajun chicken bites to the skillet and toss gently once more to combine. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best sauce texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
- To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve a nice sear and prevent sticking.
