Crispy Chicken Bites over Spiced Alfredo Pasta

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Savory, spicy, creamy, and downright addictive—Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is the kind of meal that stops conversations mid-bite. Juicy, golden-seared chicken coated in garlic butter meets a luscious Cajun alfredo sauce that clings perfectly to rotini pasta, making each bite unforgettable.

This recipe is a weeknight hero and weekend favorite all in one. Whether you’re meal prepping, impressing dinner guests, or simply spoiling yourself, this dish delivers both comfort and bold flavor. Expect your kitchen to smell like a dream—and for your plate to be clean in minutes.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work great here. Breast meat cooks quickly and stays lean, while thighs offer extra juiciness. Be sure to cut them into uniform bites so they cook evenly and get those crispy edges from the skillet sear.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Chicken Breast or Thighs – The star of the protein portion. Bite-sized pieces cook fast and sear well.

Fresh Garlic – It’s not garlic butter without it. Minced garlic infuses the chicken with rich flavor.

Butter – For that luscious golden coating on the chicken and depth in the alfredo.

Olive Oil – Helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken.

Cajun Seasoning – Adds a smoky, spicy punch to both the chicken and the sauce.

Rotini Pasta – Twists are perfect for holding onto creamy sauces.

Heavy Cream – The silky base of our spicy Alfredo sauce.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated is best. It thickens the sauce and adds that cheesy umami.

Paprika & Chili Flakes – Extra spice and color, especially great if you like a bit of heat.

Salt & Pepper – Season to balance out the richness.

Parsley – A fresh pop of color and mild herb flavor to finish.

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How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized cubes. Pat dry with paper towels, then season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a mix of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce heat to medium. Add a touch more butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, paprika, chili flakes, and more Cajun seasoning. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Adjust Consistency

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat every twist in sauce. Fold in garlic butter chicken bites. Let everything warm through for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

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Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

This dish is best served hot, straight out of the skillet with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dusting of extra Parmesan if you’re feeling bold. For sides, you can pair it with garlic bread or a crisp side salad to balance the creamy richness.

Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. It’s not freezer-friendly due to the dairy-based sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, in a pinch. Just add extra Cajun seasoning and chili flakes to amp up the flavor.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a kick, but you can reduce the chili flakes and Cajun seasoning to mellow it out.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or even cavatappi will work well.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and cream cheese can be used, though it may change the sauce texture slightly.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try plant-based cream and vegan cheese, but it may lack the richness of the original version.

Does this reheat well?

Yes, but reheat gently over low heat to keep the sauce from separating.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If this creamy, spicy combo made your tastebuds sing, here are more recipes you’ll love from Life with Jam:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
• Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup

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📌 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 add mushrooms or roasted red peppers? Did you crank up the spice or mellow it down?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. And if you want more like this, check out my Pinterest boards for daily meals and inspiration.

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