Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Save this recipe on:

Golden, tender chicken bites drenched in buttery garlic sauce paired with creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta—it doesn’t get much more indulgent than this. This dish marries rich Southern flair with Italian comfort in the best way possible. Every bite delivers crisp, flavorful chicken alongside a luscious pasta swirl that’s bold, creamy, and downright satisfying.

It’s one of those dishes that turns a regular dinner into a crave-worthy moment. Perfect for weeknight comfort, date-night splurges, or weekend showstoppers, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta offers deep flavor without a complex cooking process. You’ll love how easily it comes together while impressing like a restaurant meal.


Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

  • Flavor Explosion: Rich garlic butter, smoky Cajun heat, and creamy Alfredo create a dream team of flavors.
  • Quick & Hearty: This is a filling dinner that doesn’t take hours to make.
  • Versatile: Easily tweak the spice level or substitute proteins.
  • Presentation-Worthy: It looks just as good as it tastes—perfect for guests or social media snaps.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting this dish right is about simplicity and proper tools. Here’s what you need:

  • Large Nonstick Skillet: Essential for searing the chicken bites to golden perfection while keeping cleanup easy.
  • Pasta Pot with Strainer: A big pot ensures your pasta cooks evenly, and having a strainer lid or insert saves time.
  • Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Great for turning chicken bites and coating the pasta with sauce without damaging nonstick surfaces.
  • Garlic Press (optional): Fresh garlic gives the best flavor; a press speeds up the prep.
  • Whisk: Helps emulsify the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce so it’s smooth and cohesive.

This lineup helps streamline the process so you can go from prep to plate smoothly.


Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

  • Chicken Breast (cubed): Boneless, skinless chicken is lean, quick to cook, and soaks up the garlic butter.
  • Butter: The rich base for that luscious garlic coating.
  • Fresh Garlic: Intensifies the dish’s aroma and builds a rich base flavor.
  • Cajun Seasoning: Provides the bold kick and depth for both chicken and Alfredo sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates the silky Alfredo base that clings beautifully to pasta.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and umami to balance out the spice.
  • Twisted Pasta (like rotini or spaghetti): Holds the creamy sauce in its folds and ridges.
  • Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and prevents sticking.
  • Salt and Pepper: Season throughout for a balanced flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and a touch of herby brightness.
Pin this Recipe

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Bites

Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken breast, season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, lower heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for 1–2 minutes. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, boil your pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Step 4: Build the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In a separate pan or cleaned skillet, add butter and a touch of oil. Stir in more minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Pour in heavy cream, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened. Adjust with pasta water for your desired consistency.

Step 5: Toss & Combine

Add the drained pasta into the Cajun Alfredo sauce and toss to coat thoroughly. Plate with the garlic butter chicken bites on the side or top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.


Serving & Storing This Dish

This dish is best served hot off the stove. Plate the pasta in a wide bowl, nestled with the golden garlic chicken on top or alongside for that restaurant-style feel. Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.

For leftovers, store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Freezing isn’t ideal due to the dairy in the Alfredo, but the chicken alone freezes well for later use.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini, penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well. Just pick something that holds the sauce nicely.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a gentle kick. For more heat, add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning. For less, reduce the seasoning or use a mild blend.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. It will still be creamy with a slight twist.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, you can cook everything ahead and store the chicken and pasta separately. Combine when reheating for best texture.

What protein substitutions can I make?

Shrimp, steak bites, or even crispy tofu can replace chicken. Each adds a new personality to the dish.

Do I have to use fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic offers the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/2 teaspoon per clove.


Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this garlic butter and spicy Cajun pasta combo, you’ll definitely want to try these delicious ideas next:


Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner or pasta board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Add shrimp? Or sneak in some veggies?

I love seeing how others personalize their plates. Drop your version or ask questions below—let’s cook better together!


Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Kate Walton
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is a bold, creamy, and savory dinner idea blending crispy garlic chicken with a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce. This easy-to-make pasta dish is perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. Keywords: garlic butter chicken, Cajun Alfredo pasta, spicy creamy pasta, easy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, cubed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

10 oz twisted pasta (rotini or spaghetti)

2 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)


Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-size cubes and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet, then add minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the cooked chicken back to coat in garlic butter.

4. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve ¼ cup pasta water.

5. In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté minced garlic and Cajun seasoning for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Toss in the drained pasta, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.

7. Plate the pasta with garlic butter chicken on top or alongside. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For extra richness, add a splash of cream when reheating leftovers.

Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes or increase the Cajun seasoning.

Don’t skip fresh garlic—it makes the butter and sauce shine!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner / Pasta
  • Method: Sauté + Boil
  • Cuisine: Fusion (Southern & Italian)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg

Save this recipe on: