Description
This recipe features tender garlic butter chicken bites paired with creamy, spicy Cajun pasta. The chicken is perfectly seared and coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, then combined with a rich Cajun-seasoned Alfredo pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.25 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
Sautéing and Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken evenly with Cajun seasoning to ensure a spicy, flavorful coating.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them until they develop a golden brown crust on all sides, cooking through but still juicy.
- Sauté Garlic and Melt Butter: Lower the heat to medium, add the butter to the skillet, and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook the twisted pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the pasta thoroughly, adjusting the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky texture.
- Add the Chicken to Pasta: Return the seared chicken bites to the skillet. Gently mix and warm through to combine all flavors harmoniously.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the Cajun seasoning quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting texture.
- Reserve pasta water helps to thin the sauce while keeping it creamy and cohesive.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated; add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
