If you’re looking for bold flavor, creamy indulgence, and a little spicy kick all in one dish, these Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta deliver on every front. The dish pairs juicy seared chicken bites coated in a creamy jalapeño garlic sauce with spiraled pasta drenched in a velvety cheddar Cajun blend. It’s Southern comfort meets fiery flair.

This recipe isn’t just about flavor – it’s about texture and experience. Each bite of tender chicken balances the spice of jalapeños with the richness of cream, while the twisted pasta captures every drop of the luscious Cajun cheese sauce. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this one-pan wonder is the perfect crowd-pleaser.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They cook quickly, stay juicy, and absorb all the flavor from the seasoning and creamy sauce. Thighs offer a richer flavor and are more forgiving in cooking, but breasts work just as well if preferred.

Ingredients for the Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Chicken Breasts or Thighs
The star protein of the dish. Choose bite-sized cuts for faster searing and maximum surface flavor.

Fresh Jalapeños
Adds that signature heat and a crisp green flavor. You can remove seeds for a milder taste.

Garlic Cloves
Garlic brings deep savory notes and pairs beautifully with the jalapeño.

Heavy Cream
Creates the creamy base that mellows the spice and makes the sauce ultra-luxurious.

Cheddar Cheese
Melts into the Cajun-spiced pasta to create a tangy, cheesy finish. Use sharp cheddar for a bold bite.

Cajun Seasoning
Adds smoky heat and depth. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme.

Pasta (Rotini or Fusilli)
These twisty shapes are perfect for grabbing onto the cheese sauce in every nook and cranny.

Butter and Olive Oil
For browning the chicken and building the sauce base with richness.

Parsley (Optional)
For garnish and a touch of freshness to finish off the dish.

How To Make the Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Jalapeño and Garlic

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed. Toss in finely chopped fresh jalapeño and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. The jalapeño should soften slightly, releasing its heat and aroma.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese and continue mixing until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rotini or fusilli pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Return the seared chicken bites to the pan and stir to coat in the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top everything with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and creamy, straight from the pan, with extra Cajun seasoning on the side for those who like it fiery.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Serve this dish while it’s piping hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs perfectly with a light side salad or warm garlic bread for a full comfort meal. For presentation, use a wide, shallow bowl so the twisted pasta and juicy chicken bites can show off their creamy coating and fresh parsley garnish.

To store, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life on the stovetop or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to medium kick, thanks to the jalapeño and Cajun seasoning. For less heat, remove the jalapeño seeds or reduce the Cajun blend.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works well. Just skip the searing step and toss it into the sauce to heat through before serving.

What pasta works best for this?

Rotini, fusilli, or any twisty shape that grabs onto sauce is ideal. Penne or shells are good backups.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and chicken in advance. Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture, then combine everything when ready to eat.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be a bit thinner. Add extra cheese to thicken if needed.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or mushrooms and use a veggie-forward Cajun spice mix.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you love these creamy jalapeño garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar Cajun pasta, then you’ll definitely want to try some of these bold and comforting pasta creations:

Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo Recipe for a rich blend of beefy flavor and spicy sauce.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce when you’re craving cheesy pasta with a Philly twist.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a hearty bowl packed with texture.
Creamy and Easy Egg Custard Pie — because after spicy pasta, a creamy dessert hits the spot.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it whenever cravings strike: Life with Jam Pinterest

And if you gave it a try, let me know how it turned out! Did you go full spice or mellow it out? Add extra cheese or herbs?

Your version might inspire someone else, so drop your tips in the comments. I’m always here for the swaps and upgrades!

Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

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

Print Recipe

Description

This one-skillet comfort dish combines tender seared chicken bites in a creamy jalapeño garlic sauce with twisted rotini pasta tossed in a rich cheddar Cajun blend. It’s spicy, cheesy, and full of Southern soul with every bite—perfect for dinner nights when you want to impress without a lot of effort.

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into chunks and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté chopped jalapeños and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream, scraping the pan’s bottom, and let simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Stir in cheddar cheese and melt completely to form a smooth sauce.

6. In a separate pot, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

7. Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

8. Return seared chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.

9. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.