Description

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli recipe is the perfect combination of crispy chicken and creamy Cajun-spiced pasta. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this comfort food classic features seasoned chicken bites with a crunchy Parmesan coating served over rich smoked Alfredo Gemelli. A must-try dish for fans of chicken pasta recipes, Cajun Alfredo sauce, and hearty meals.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs, beaten

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil, for frying

12 oz Gemelli pasta

1 tablespoon butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 ½ cups heavy cream

¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons reserved pasta water

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel.

2. Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour (salt and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of Parmesan and Panko.

3. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the Parmesan breadcrumb mix.

4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

5. In a large pot, cook Gemelli pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain the rest.

6. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning.

7. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

8. Mix in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper.

9. Serve pasta in bowls and top with crispy chicken bites. Garnish with chopped chives.

Notes

For extra crunch, refrigerate breaded chicken for 15 minutes before frying.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melt quality.

Add veggies like sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers to the pasta for a twist.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Fried + Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 780
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 41g
Cholesterol: 160mg