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.