Crispy, golden, and impossibly juicy—these Parmesan Chicken Bites are the crunchy comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Paired with a creamy smoky Cajun Alfredo sauce and tender gemelli pasta, this dish delivers serious flavor and texture. It’s weeknight dinner-worthy and also makes an impressive meal for guests.

The cheesy bite-sized chicken is breaded to perfection and oven-fried or air-fried for that guilt-free crunch. But it’s the Cajun Alfredo sauce—rich, smoky, and slightly spicy—that takes it to another level. Whether you serve it for a cozy family dinner or a casual dinner party, this one’s guaranteed to be a hit.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best with Alfredo Sauce?

Gemelli pasta is our go-to for this recipe. Its twisted shape holds onto the smoky Alfredo sauce, making every bite perfectly coated and flavorful. You can substitute with fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni, but gemelli offers a nice balance between elegance and heartiness.

Ingredients for the Best Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoky Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. They cook evenly and stay tender when coated and crisped.

Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds that salty, nutty flavor that crisps up beautifully in the breading.

Breadcrumbs (panko or Italian style): The secret to that golden crunch. Panko gives a lighter crisp, while Italian-style breadcrumbs bring extra flavor.

Eggs: Used for dredging to help the coating stick.

All-purpose flour: Forms the first layer of the breading for the chicken.

Smoked paprika + Cajun seasoning: These add bold flavor and smoky spice to both the chicken and Alfredo sauce.

Butter and garlic: Essential in any Alfredo sauce base for that rich, savory depth.

Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.

Cream cheese: Adds thickness and a slight tang, perfect for holding the Cajun flavor.

Parmesan (for sauce): Melts into the cream for a cheesy, salty finish.

Gemelli pasta: Twisted pasta that holds the sauce perfectly.

Parsley + black pepper: For finishing touch and a pop of freshness.

How To Make the Best Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoky Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Step 1: Prep and Cut the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

You’ll need three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the cheesy breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure everything sticks.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Or bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes until golden and crispy. Make sure internal temp reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Boil the Pasta

Cook the gemelli pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth and thickened. Fold in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Serve with crispy Parmesan chicken bites on the side or on top. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and chopped parsley.

Serving and Storing Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoky Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Serve this dish hot, right after the chicken bites come out crispy and the Alfredo sauce is creamy and warm. You can plate the pasta first and nestle the chicken bites over the top or serve them side by side for a beautiful contrast of textures.

Store any leftovers in separate airtight containers—the chicken bites stay crispier that way. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. For the pasta, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What other pasta can I use besides gemelli?

Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni all work well if gemelli isn’t available. Just aim for something that can hold sauce well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and bread it ahead of time, then air fry or bake when you’re ready. The Alfredo sauce can also be made in advance and reheated.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the Cajun seasoning, but it’s not overly spicy. Feel free to reduce or increase the seasoning to taste.

Can I make the chicken gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free breadcrumbs. Also, ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

How can I lighten up the Alfredo sauce?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and reduce the Parmesan slightly. It won’t be as rich, but it will still be flavorful.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs will be juicier, though a bit more time may be needed to cook through.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into comforting, saucy dinners like this, you’ll definitely want to try these next:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a bold, cheesy medley.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta when you want quick cleanup with big flavor.
Red Pepper Rigatoni if you’re craving something creamy and slightly spicy.
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne for a veggie-packed twist.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo if you love that smoky Cajun vibe.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with air frying or baking? Add a little extra heat to the sauce? I love seeing the ways you personalize these meals.

Looking for more crave-worthy dinner ideas? You can find my daily recipe posts and more inspiration on Pinterest @hallarecipes.

Best Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoky Cajun Alfredo Gemelli

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy, golden Parmesan chicken bites served with a smoky Cajun Alfredo gemelli pasta—this dish is creamy, crispy, spicy, and comforting all in one. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal.

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks, keeping them uniform in size.

2. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning.

3. Dredge chicken in flour, then dip into eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.

4. Air fry chicken at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake at 425°F for 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

5. Boil gemelli pasta in salted water per package instructions. Drain and set aside.

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

7. Add heavy cream and cream cheese; stir until smooth and thickened. Fold in Parmesan until melted.

8. Toss cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce until well coated.

9. Plate pasta and top with chicken bites. Garnish with black pepper and chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Make sure to press the breading mixture firmly onto the chicken for extra crisp texture.

If using chicken thighs, adjust cooking time slightly for doneness.

To reheat leftovers, use an air fryer or oven to bring back the crispiness—avoid the microwave for the chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Air Fryer / Oven / Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Cajun Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
Calories: 675
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: parmesan chicken, cajun alfredo, crispy chicken pasta, easy dinner, creamy pasta