Description

Sweet, sticky maple-garlic chicken bites paired with creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta. The glaze caramelizes on the chicken while the rich sauce clings to every strand of fettuccine—comfort food with a bold kick that’s still weeknight-easy.

Ingredients

1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for chicken)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

12 oz fettuccine (or linguine)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sauce)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (to taste)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more to serve

Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry. Toss with salt and pepper.

2. Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 5-7 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through.

3. Glaze: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 Tbsp butter and the minced garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in maple syrup and toss until the chicken is glossy and the glaze lightly thickens (1-2 minutes). Remove from heat; keep warm.

4. Boil Pasta: Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.

5. Start Sauce: In a second skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter (and olive oil if using). Stir in Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes; warm 15 seconds.

6. Make Alfredo: Pour in heavy cream; simmer gently 2-3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth.

7. Finish Pasta: Add drained pasta to the sauce, loosening with splashes of reserved pasta water until silky.

8. Serve: Plate Cajun Alfredo, top (or side) with maple garlic chicken bites, and shower with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Warm, Not Boiling: Keep the Alfredo at a gentle simmer so the cream does not split and the cheese melts smoothly.

Same-Size Bites: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly and glaze at the same time.

Adjust the Heat: Start with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; add more (and/or red pepper flakes) after tasting the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 820
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 72 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 190 mg

Keywords: maple garlic chicken bites, cajun alfredo, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner