If you’re a fan of bold flavors and a little heat, this recipe for Spicy Cajun Chicken Bites with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is perfect for you. The Cajun seasoning infuses the chicken with spicy, smoky flavors, while the creamy sun-dried tomato pasta provides a luscious, tangy counterpart. This dish strikes a balance between spicy and creamy, making it a hearty and satisfying meal for dinner parties, cozy family dinners, or even a quick weeknight meal. The combination of juicy, tender chicken bites and rich pasta is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
For the Spicy Cajun Chicken Bites:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or your choice of pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (from the sun-dried tomatoes jar)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Season the Chicken Bites
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated with the spices.
Step 2: Cook the Cajun Chicken Bites
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The butter adds a layer of richness to the chicken.
- Add the seasoned chicken bites to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). The Cajun spices will give the chicken a beautiful, slightly charred crust.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Keep warm while you prepare the pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining, which you’ll use later to adjust the sauce consistency.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting their flavor meld with the garlic and oil.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a bit more spice if desired.
Step 5: Toss the Pasta in the Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce until fully coated. Make sure the sauce clings to every piece of pasta.
- Stir in the fresh basil and give everything one final toss to combine.
COOKING Note:
- You can adjust the heat level of the Cajun chicken bites by altering the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne or skip the red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- For an even richer sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter when cooking the garlic, or substitute half of the heavy cream with cream cheese for a creamier, tangier flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Spicy Cajun Chicken Bites on top of the creamy sun-dried tomato pasta or alongside it.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan for added flavor.
- Pair this dish with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a bit of fresh lemon juice over the chicken bites just before serving.
Tips:
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor, and don’t forget to use some of the oil in the sauce—it adds depth to the dish.
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can make a homemade version by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper.
- To save time, you can prep the chicken bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Similarly, the sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated with a splash of cream or pasta water.
- Try swapping the penne for other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fettuccine if desired.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 25 minutes for the chicken and sauce
- 10 minutes for the pasta
Total Time:
- 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4):
- Calories: 720
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Conclusion:
This Spicy Cajun Chicken Bites with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a vibrant, comforting dish that’s perfect for when you crave something with a kick. The spicy Cajun chicken pairs beautifully with the tangy, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, creating a dynamic and satisfying meal. This dish is easy to prepare, and with its bold flavors, it’s guaranteed to impress anyone who loves a bit of heat. Whether you’re making dinner for family or friends, this recipe will surely become a go-to favorite.
PrintSpicy Cajun Chicken Bites with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Spicy Cajun Chicken Bites:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or your choice of pasta
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (from the sun-dried tomatoes jar)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken Bites
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated with the spices.
Step 2: Cook the Cajun Chicken Bites
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The butter adds a layer of richness to the chicken.
- Add the seasoned chicken bites to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
- Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). The Cajun spices will give the chicken a beautiful, slightly charred crust.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Keep warm while you prepare the pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining, which you’ll use later to adjust the sauce consistency.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting their flavor meld with the garlic and oil.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a bit more spice if desired.
Step 5: Toss the Pasta in the Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce until fully coated. Make sure the sauce clings to every piece of pasta.
- Stir in the fresh basil and give everything one final toss to combine.
COOKING Note:
- You can adjust the heat level of the Cajun chicken bites by altering the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne or skip the red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- For an even richer sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter when cooking the garlic, or substitute half of the heavy cream with cream cheese for a creamier, tangier flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes for the chicken and sauce 10 minutes for the pasta
Nutrition
- Calories: 720
- Sodium: 850mg
- Protein: 35g