Description
This indulgent dinner brings crispy garlic butter chicken bites together with creamy Cajun Alfredo mac, topped with crunchy fried onions for a Southern-inspired comfort food meal that’s bold, rich, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons butter (for searing chicken)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1 tablespoon butter (for Alfredo sauce)
1.25 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup crispy fried onions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet during the last 1–2 minutes. Stir well and set chicken aside.
5. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, lower heat and melt 1 tablespoon butter. Pour in the cream and remaining Cajun seasoning.
7. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes, then stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
8. Toss in the cooked pasta and coat with sauce, letting it warm through and thicken slightly.
9. Plate the Alfredo mac and top with garlic butter chicken bites.
10. Sprinkle crispy fried onions and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Let your Parmesan come to room temperature before adding to the sauce—it melts smoother this way.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce or chicken.
Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded to avoid clumping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Keywords: cajun mac and cheese, chicken bites, skillet dinner