Description
Juicy garlic butter chicken bites tossed with spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce and twisted rotini pasta—this recipe brings comfort and bold flavor together in one creamy, kicky skillet dish. Perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
12 oz rotini pasta
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream, paprika, chili flakes, and more Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 4-5 minutes.
6. Stir in Parmesan until smooth and creamy. Add pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
7. Toss in cooked pasta and chicken bites. Let everything warm through for 2-3 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken—work in batches for the best golden crust.
Adjust spice level by reducing chili flakes or Cajun seasoning for milder taste.
Fresh Parmesan melts better and gives a creamier texture than pre-shredded.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, cajun pasta, spicy alfredo, weeknight dinner