Description

This bold and creamy dish features golden garlic butter chicken bites nestled in a spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce, twirled with sauce-catching twisted pasta. It’s a fast, one-skillet wonder that satisfies comfort food cravings while bringing the heat.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

8 oz twisted pasta (like rotini or cavatappi)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Set aside.

2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken further.

6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use cavatappi pasta for the best sauce hold and texture.

Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach during the garlic sauté step for a nutritional boost.

To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 620
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: spicy chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken, Cajun Alfredo, creamy pasta dinner