Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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When bold southern spice meets creamy comfort, you get the irresistible Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. This dish brings together perfectly seasoned chicken bites with a rich, cheesy pasta that’s elevated with the warmth of Cajun flavor. It’s a plateful of indulgence with just the right kick, made to impress and satisfy.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home, a weekend get-together, or just want a restaurant-style meal without leaving your kitchen, this recipe delivers. The garlic butter chicken bites are juicy with a crisp sear, and when paired with that velvety Cajun Alfredo sauce hugging every twist of pasta, you’ve got a showstopper.


Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Rich and Creamy Flavor: The Alfredo sauce is deeply luscious with just enough heat to tingle the taste buds.
  • Quick Yet Impressive: It looks like a gourmet meal but comes together in under an hour.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust the Cajun spice to suit your comfort zone.
  • One Plate, Full Meal: It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with both protein and carbs.
  • Perfect Leftovers: This one reheats beautifully the next day (if you have any left!).

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting the texture and flavor right depends as much on your tools as your technique. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Essential for getting a beautiful sear on those garlic butter chicken bites without overcooking the inside.
  • Large Pot: To boil your pasta evenly with enough space to prevent sticking.
  • Whisk: Crucial for making a smooth, lump-free Alfredo sauce.
  • Tongs: Helpful for turning chicken pieces and tossing pasta into the sauce.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For gently folding the sauce through the pasta without breaking it down.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Chicken Breast or Thighs: Tender and juicy when seared right—perfect bite-sized pieces to soak up that garlic butter.
  • Rotini or Fusilli Pasta: Their twisted shape clings to the creamy sauce, making every bite rich.
  • Butter: Forms the base of the garlic sauce and infuses the chicken with a rich, savory taste.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates both the chicken and sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: The key to that luxuriously thick Alfredo texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Gives the sauce its salty, nutty depth—use freshly grated for best melt.
  • Cajun Seasoning: Brings the warmth and complexity to balance out the creamy base.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the chicken sear perfectly without sticking.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring it all together.
  • Parsley (Optional): Adds a fresh color contrast and light finish.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it sit while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sear Chicken in Garlic Butter

In a hot skillet with olive oil and butter, sear chicken pieces until golden and cooked through. Add minced garlic during the last minute for max flavor. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

Cook rotini or fusilli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and garlic. Stir in heavy cream and whisk until slightly thickened. Add parmesan and whisk until melted and smooth. Adjust with reserved pasta water for the right consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce, coating every piece. If needed, add a touch more Cajun seasoning for extra heat.

Step 6: Finish with Chicken

Return garlic butter chicken bites to the pan, mix gently, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.


How to Serve and Store Your Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Chicken

Serve this dish warm and freshly tossed, with extra grated parmesan on top for added richness. Garlic bread or a light green salad pairs perfectly for balance.

To store, let the pasta cool to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back that silky texture.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Absolutely! Just check for salt content as some mixes can be quite salty. Adjust accordingly.

What other pasta types work well with this dish?

Fettuccine, penne, or farfalle are great alternatives that hold onto the sauce nicely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead and combine everything just before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.

What’s the best way to make it less spicy?

Cut the Cajun seasoning in half or mix it with a little sweet paprika to mellow the flavor.

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

You can, but it won’t be as creamy or thick. Add a little cream cheese or cornstarch slurry for better texture.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating. Freeze in a single portion and thaw fully before reheating on the stovetop.


Want More Pasta Ideas with a Southern Twist?

If this Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites won you over, you’ll definitely love these other Kitchen By Kate favorites:


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Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites


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  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a bold, comforting Southern-inspired pasta dish loaded with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines juicy seared chicken, a spicy Cajun kick, and a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce. Keywords: cajun alfredo pasta, garlic butter chicken, creamy chicken pasta, southern pasta dish, cajun chicken pasta.


Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast or thighs

10 oz rotini or fusilli pasta

2 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)


Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a cast iron skillet. Sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Add minced garlic during the last minute. Remove and set aside.

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

4. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic, stir in heavy cream, and whisk until slightly thickened. Add parmesan and stir until fully melted and smooth.

5. Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, coating evenly. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

6. Return the chicken to the skillet and combine gently. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

For an extra kick, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce.

Swap out chicken for shrimp or steak for variation.

Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives a creamier sauce compared to pre-shredded.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Stove top
  • Cuisine: Southern-Inspired, Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

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