Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta

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This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a five-star chef with half the effort. Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta brings together seared, juicy chicken bites coated in a garlicky Tuscan marinade, paired with a rich and creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta that gets a pop of brightness from sun-dried tomatoes. It’s indulgent, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor.

Every bite gives you creamy sauce with just the right kick of Cajun spice, contrasted by the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the savoriness of the Tuscan chicken. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels gourmet and a showstopper when you want to impress guests. Plus, it’s a one-pan pasta that keeps cleanup minimal and satisfaction high.

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta

This recipe hits all the right notes: tender chicken with a golden sear, creamy and spicy Alfredo sauce, and bursts of tangy sun-dried tomato. It’s hearty yet elegant, making it suitable for casual dinners or special occasions. The flavor layers build effortlessly as each element complements the other, giving you restaurant-quality taste in under an hour.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken Instead?

While using pre-cooked chicken can save time, it’s best to use fresh chicken bites for the most flavorful result. Cooking the chicken in the same skillet allows all those seasoned bits to become part of the sauce, enhancing the depth of flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch, pre-cooked chicken tossed in the garlic-Tuscan seasoning blend and briefly seared again will still work decently.

Ingredients for the Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta

This dish balances creamy comfort with savory spice and tangy contrast. Each ingredient plays a unique role in building those layers of flavor:

  • Chicken breast
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Pasta
  • Butter
  • Salt and pepper
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How To Make the Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season them generously with Italian and Cajun seasoning, and sear in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them infuse the oil with their rich, tangy flavor.

Step 3: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

Pour in heavy cream, add Cajun seasoning, and stir until it simmers. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta to al dente and reserve a bit of pasta water. Drain and add the pasta directly into the sauce. Use pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the seared chicken to the pan, toss everything together to coat evenly, and finish with extra Parmesan on top. Serve warm and savor every creamy, spicy, garlicky bite.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta is indulgent and flavorful, but there are a few mistakes that can dull its brilliance. Overcooking the chicken is one of the most common errors; you want golden-brown seared edges with a juicy interior, so pull the chicken off the heat as soon as it’s done. Another issue is letting the cream sauce boil rapidly—this can cause separation or curdling. Keep it to a gentle simmer.

Adding cheese too quickly or at too high a heat can also make the sauce gritty. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before stirring in the Parmesan for a smooth, velvety finish. And don’t forget to season your pasta water; bland pasta is a missed opportunity for layering flavor.

How to Serve and Store This Recipe

This recipe is satisfying enough to be a main course and can comfortably serve four people. For serving, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds brightness, and an extra shaving of Parmesan never hurts. If you’re plating it for guests, swirl the pasta into a nest and top it with chicken for a professional touch.

To store leftovers, let everything cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

What to Serve With Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Buttery, crisp garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crunchy romaine and zesty Caesar dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a bit of char and green goodness to your plate.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil offer a cool, tangy bite alongside the warmth of the pasta.

Lemon Asparagus

Brightens the plate with citrus and complements the creamy Cajun sauce.

Grilled Zucchini

Light and smoky, it won’t compete with the bold pasta flavors.

Sparkling Water with Lemon

A palate cleanser that keeps the meal feeling balanced and fresh.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta, here are some pasta recipes you should definitely check out:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich, simple garlic-forward dinner.
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with deep, herby flavors and indulgent sauce.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you’re after the ultimate creamy comfort.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach for seafood lovers craving creamy, cheesy pasta.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for an elevated, flavor-packed family meal.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add spinach or maybe use a different pasta shape? Did you make it extra spicy?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better every night.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and indulgent pastas on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and find your next obsession!

Conclusion

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the first sizzle of garlic hitting the pan to the last creamy forkful, this dish delivers bold, savory satisfaction with a twist of elegance. Perfect for date night, family dinners, or when you just need something indulgent and unforgettable.

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Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta


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  • Author: Nina Klatten
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed dinner featuring seared chicken, rich Cajun Alfredo sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for family meals, date nights, or indulgent weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

10 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)

2 tbsp butter

Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian and Cajun seasoning.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

5. Pour in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning; simmer gently.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let sauce thicken.

7. Cook pasta to al dente, reserve some pasta water, then drain.

8. Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat; use pasta water if needed.

9. Return chicken to the skillet, mix well, and serve hot.

Notes

Let sauce cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent curdling.

Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.

Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan for serving.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ recipe)
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

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