Description

This restaurant-style comfort dish pairs ultra-crispy Parmesan crusted chicken bites with creamy smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli pasta. With a bold, cheesy sauce and irresistible crunch, it’s the perfect combo for cozy nights or family dinners.

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup olive oil (or neutral oil for frying)

8 ounces Gemelli pasta

2 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)

1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (for sauce)

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for sauce)

2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley

Instructions

1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry.

2. Set up three breading bowls: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; another with whisked eggs; and the third with a mix of panko and Parmesan.

3. Bread each chicken piece by dipping in flour, then egg, then Parmesan-panko mix.

4. Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken bites for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

5. Cook the Gemelli pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.

6. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add cream, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and Parmesan. Simmer and stir until thickened. Add pasta water if needed.

7. Toss cooked pasta in the Alfredo sauce. Plate pasta and top with crispy chicken bites. Garnish with chopped herbs. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra crunch, refrigerate breaded chicken bites for 10 minutes before frying.

Add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for more heat.

Toss leftover pasta with a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 690
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 22g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 175mg

Keywords: chicken bites, Alfredo pasta, parmesan chicken, Cajun Alfredo