Description
This Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoky Cajun Alfredo Gemelli recipe is the ultimate comfort food fusion. Juicy, crunchy chicken bites meet creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta—easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests. Perfect for fans of bold chicken pasta dinners.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
8 oz gemelli pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate in buttermilk for 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Prepare three bowls for dredging: flour with seasoning, beaten eggs, and a mix of panko and Parmesan.
3. Coat each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
4. Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken bites until golden and cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side. Drain.
5. Cook gemelli pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, then add cream.
7. Bring to a simmer, then whisk in Parmesan until smooth and thickened.
8. Toss pasta with the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
9. Plate pasta and top with crispy chicken bites. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Let breaded chicken rest 5 minutes before frying to help coating stick better.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for both coating and sauce—it melts better and adds richer flavor.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 155mg