Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

from recipesfiber.com
Main
45 min

A bold and creamy dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken bites in garlic butter and a spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce with twisted pasta.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbsboneless, skinless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 3 tablespoonsbutter (for chicken bites)
  • 4 clovesgarlic (minced for chicken bites)
  • 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika
  • 1 teaspooncajun seasoning
  • salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 12 oztwisted pasta (fusilli or rotini)
  • 2 tablespoonsbutter (for alfredo sauce)
  • 3 clovesgarlic (minced for alfredo sauce)
  • 1 ½ cupsheavy cream
  • 1 cupgrated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cupshredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspooncajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Directions

  1. 1

    Pat dry and season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

  2. 2

    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet in the last 2 minutes, tossing well. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  3. 3

    While chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add twisted pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

  4. 4

    In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

  5. 5

    Gradually whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  6. 6

    Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat in the sauce. Return the chicken bites to the pan with any juices. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until creamy.

  7. 7

    Transfer to plates or a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!