Go Back

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

A creamy, spicy, and flavorful pasta dish featuring pan-seared garlic butter chicken and a Cajun Alfredo sauce wrapped around twisted pasta, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Bites
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Pasta
  • 12 oz twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken Bites
  1. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toss in the chicken pieces, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce
  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in the same skillet.
  2. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Add Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes (optional) for extra heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat every piece evenly.
  2. Allow the pasta to soak up all that cheesy goodness.
Finish with Chicken & Serve
  1. Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet.
  2. Gently mix everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
  3. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and color.

Notes

Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture. Use hot smoked paprika or extra red pepper flakes for a bolder kick. Substitute chicken with shrimp, sausage, or a plant-based alternative for variation. For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the mozzarella.