Description
Crispy, cheese-crusted chicken bites meet twirl-friendly gemelli in a rich, smoky Cajun Alfredo. The chicken stays crunchy, the sauce is ultra-creamy, and every bite is packed with bold comfort-food flavor—perfect for weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
2 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
1/4 cup olive oil, for pan-frying (more as needed)
12 oz gemelli pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 3/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry; season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning.
2. Set up three bowls: flour; beaten eggs; panko mixed with 3/4 cup Parmesan.
3. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in the panko-Parmesan mixture.
4. Pan-fry chicken in olive oil over medium heat 3-4 minutes per side until golden and 165 F; keep warm.
5. Cook gemelli in salted water to al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
6. Melt butter; saute garlic 30-60 seconds. Stir in 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
7. Add heavy cream; simmer 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan; season to taste.
8. Toss pasta with sauce, adding pasta water as needed for a glossy coat.
9. Serve pasta with crispy chicken bites; garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
For extra crunch, double-dip a few pieces (egg then crumbs twice).
Air-fryer option: 400 F for 10-12 minutes, flipping once; lightly mist with oil.
Add pasta water gradually so the Alfredo clings without pooling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: American-Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 1050
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 70 g
- Saturated Fat: 35 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
Keywords: cajun alfredo, crispy chicken bites, gemelli, weeknight dinner