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Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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Creamy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying, this Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is the kind of dinner that stops everyone mid-bite. The rich, velvety Alfredo clings to each strand of fettuccine while juicy chicken bites—seared and tossed in garlic butter—bring a bold Cajun kick. It’s a comforting plate of pasta with just enough heat to make it irresistible.

Perfect for weeknights or when you need something impressive without the fuss, this recipe brings restaurant flavors straight to your table. And if you’re a fan of dishes that balance creamy comfort with seasoned spice, you’re going to be hooked from the first forkful.


What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cajun Alfredo?

Fettuccine is the classic choice because its wide noodles grip the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully. That said, linguine or tagliatelle also work well. Avoid thinner pastas like angel hair—they tend to get lost in a rich sauce like this.


Ingredients for the Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-size pieces, they cook quickly and soak up all that delicious Cajun garlic butter.

Cajun Seasoning – The star of the dish! It brings smoky, peppery heat that contrasts perfectly with the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce.

Butter & Garlic – These two ingredients create the savory base for searing the chicken and layering in rich flavor.

Heavy Cream – For the Alfredo, heavy cream gives the sauce its indulgent texture and depth.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated is best. It melts smoothly into the sauce and delivers a salty, nutty finish.

Fettuccine Pasta – Wide and sturdy enough to hold up to the thick Alfredo sauce without becoming mushy.

Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken and preventing it from sticking.

Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings to balance and enhance the overall flavor.

Chopped Parsley – Optional, but it adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished plate.

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How To Make the Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return the chicken to the pan and coat well in the garlic butter. Turn off heat and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a separate saucepan over medium heat, pour in heavy cream. Let it heat gently (do not boil), then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water a bit at a time if the sauce needs thinning.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked fettuccine to the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat. Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if desired.


Serving and Storing Cajun Alfredo Pasta

This dish is best served hot right after it’s made, when the Alfredo sauce is silky and the chicken is tender and juicy. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread to mop up the extra sauce.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to a pan and warm gently over low heat, stirring to revive the sauce without breaking it.


Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Cajun Alfredo Pasta?

It has a warm, smoky heat, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely. Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu work well with the same Cajun garlic butter approach.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a quick blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your Cajun spice blend for hidden gluten ingredients.

Does it reheat well?

It does, but be gentle. Reheat slowly and add a splash of cream or milk to keep the Alfredo smooth.

Can I make it ahead?

You can cook the chicken and make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time. Store separately, then reheat and combine when ready to serve.


Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this bold Cajun Alfredo, these other hearty dishes will hit the spot too:


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 heavy on the Cajun spice or keep it mild? Try it with shrimp instead?

I love seeing how you make these dishes your own. And for more delicious recipes like this, check out my Pinterest page at Life with Jam.


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Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites


  • Author: Jam Scott
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

A creamy Cajun Alfredo tossed with fettuccine and topped with garlic butter-seared chicken bites for a bold and comforting dinner.


Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size pieces

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 ounces fettuccine pasta

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)


Instructions

1. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Return chicken to coat in garlic butter. Turn off heat and cover.

4. Cook fettuccine in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.

5. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium (do not boil). Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.

6. Toss fettuccine with Alfredo sauce. Serve topped with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce that melts beautifully.

If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a few chili flakes with the Cajun seasoning.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 610
  • Fat: 33
  • Saturated Fat: 18
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 38
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 35
  • Cholesterol: 135

Keywords: cajun alfredo, garlic butter chicken, fettuccine alfredo, weeknight pasta, spicy pasta

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