When comfort food meets bold Southern flavor, you get a dish like Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta. This mouthwatering recipe is a flavor-packed, one-pan wonder that brings together tender, juicy chicken bites seasoned with smoked paprika and Cajun spices, paired with a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce that gets a fiery kick from crushed red pepper flakes. Twisted pasta like fusilli or rotini acts as the perfect vehicle to soak up all that spicy, garlicky, cheesy goodness.
This dish isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about balance. The richness of the Alfredo is perfectly countered by the heat of Cajun spices and the savory depth of garlic butter chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or trying to impress dinner guests, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s customizable—spice it up or mellow it down depending on your taste buds.
Ready to turn up the flavor? Let’s dive into this fusion of creamy comfort and Cajun spice.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta:
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12 oz twisted pasta (such as fusilli or rotini)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1.5 cups heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, typically around 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Season them with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Sauce
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—the brown bits left behind add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the remaining minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
Continue whisking until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce becomes thick, smooth, and creamy. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until all the noodles are well coated in the creamy, spicy Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Serve
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Fold everything together carefully so that the chicken is evenly distributed. Let the mixture warm together for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Plate the dish hot and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Variations
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Make it milder: Skip the crushed red pepper flakes for a more kid-friendly version.
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Add veggies: Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the garlic for added nutrients and color.
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Use shrimp instead: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood Cajun Alfredo twist.
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Try a different pasta: Penne, tagliatelle, or even zoodles work beautifully here.
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Dairy-free twist: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-intolerant version.
Cooking Note
Be careful not to overcook the chicken—once it turns golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s done. Overcooking can dry out the chicken and compromise the tender, juicy texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are some great sides to complement it:
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A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Garlic bread or crusty baguette for sopping up sauce
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Steamed broccoli or green beans for added balance
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Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for a savory, smoky contrast
For drinks, consider pairing it with a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or a sparkling water infused with lime.
Tips
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Always cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness once it’s tossed with the sauce.
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Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
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Don’t skip the garlic in both the chicken and sauce—it builds deep layers of flavor.
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Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before adding back to the sauce—it helps retain juices.
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Want it extra spicy? Add a few dashes of hot sauce right into the Alfredo sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
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Calories: 850 kcal
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Protein: 38 g
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Sodium: 960 mg
Note: Values may vary slightly depending on cheese type and added salt.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce may thicken as it sits. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen it.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Cajun seasoning is gluten-free to make it suitable.
Can I freeze it?
It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze it. Let the pasta and chicken cool, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What type of Cajun seasoning works best?
A store-bought blend is fine, but homemade seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme) gives more control over salt and spice levels.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is a bold, creamy, and comforting dish that satisfies on every level. From the sizzling chicken bites infused with buttery garlic flavor to the luxuriously creamy, cheesy pasta with a Cajun kick—this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or hosting a dinner party, it’s a dish that always earns seconds and requests for the recipe.
It’s flexible, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes—what more could you ask for in a dinner? Save this one, because it’s about to become a go-to in your comfort food rotation.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A bold, creamy, and comforting dish that combines juicy garlic butter chicken bites with spicy Cajun Alfredo twisted pasta—perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
-
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
-
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta:
-
12 oz twisted pasta (such as fusilli or rotini)
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1.5 cups heavy cream
-
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
-
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, typically around 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Season them with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it—the brown bits left behind add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the remaining minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
Continue whisking until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce becomes thick, smooth, and creamy. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until all the noodles are well coated in the creamy, spicy Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Fold everything together carefully so that the chicken is evenly distributed. Let the mixture warm together for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Plate the dish hot and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
Cooking Note
Be careful not to overcook the chicken—once it turns golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s done. Overcooking can dry out the chicken and compromise the tender, juicy texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, Alfredo, Cajun, spicy, garlic butter