Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’ve ever wanted comfort food with a bold kick, this Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is exactly that. Tender chicken bites coated in a creamy buffalo-garlic sauce, combined with rotini pasta drenched in Cajun Alfredo, create a dish that balances heat, creaminess, and richness in every bite. Paired with crisp celery sticks on the side, it’s like game-day flavors elevated into a hearty, restaurant-worthy meal.

What makes this dish shine is the fusion of two crowd favorites: buffalo chicken and Alfredo pasta. The zesty buffalo heat mingles beautifully with garlic and Cajun spices, while ranch adds a cool tang to mellow the kick. The twisted pasta doesn’t just soak up the sauce—it holds onto every drop, giving you a mouthful of bold, saucy flavor each time.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare this dish flawlessly, you’ll need a few essential tools:

  • Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – for cooking and glazing the chicken bites evenly with the buffalo garlic sauce.
  • Pot for Pasta – a deep pot ensures your rotini has space to cook evenly without clumping.
  • Colander – to quickly drain the pasta without overcooking.
  • Whisk – helps emulsify the Alfredo sauce with ranch and Cajun seasoning, ensuring a silky texture.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula – to fold the pasta into the creamy sauce without breaking it.

Each of these tools contributes to perfecting the dish—from ensuring your chicken develops a golden crust to making the Alfredo sauce luxuriously smooth. Without them, you might lose out on the textures and flavors that make this recipe stand out.


Ingredients for the Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

  • Chicken breast bites – the star protein, tender and juicy, ready to soak up buffalo garlic flavor.
  • Buffalo sauce – brings the heat and tang, giving the dish its signature bold kick.
  • Fresh garlic – enhances depth with a fragrant, savory punch.
  • Rotini pasta – twisted shape perfect for clinging onto creamy Alfredo sauce.
  • Heavy cream – forms the rich, velvety base of the Alfredo.
  • Parmesan cheese – adds nuttiness and sharp umami to the sauce.
  • Ranch seasoning – balances the spice with tangy, herby coolness.
  • Cajun seasoning – adds smoky heat, elevating the Alfredo to something bolder.
  • Butter – enriches the sauce and helps brown the chicken.
  • Celery sticks – refreshing crunch on the side, a nod to classic buffalo pairings.
Pin this Recipe

How To Make the Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Marinate & Cook the Chicken

Season chicken bites with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. In a hot skillet with butter, cook until golden brown and juicy. Add minced garlic and buffalo sauce, tossing until the chicken is fully coated.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water for later to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 3: Create the Ranch Cajun Alfredo

In another pan, melt butter and whisk in heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, and Cajun spices. Stir until creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Toss the drained rotini pasta into the Alfredo, coating every twist. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to make it extra silky.

Step 5: Plate & Garnish

Spoon Alfredo pasta onto plates, top with buffalo garlic chicken bites, and garnish with parsley. Serve with fresh celery sticks for a cooling contrast.


Serving and Storing Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

This pasta is best enjoyed hot off the skillet when the Alfredo sauce is at its creamiest and the buffalo garlic chicken bites are tender and flavorful. Pair it with crisp celery sticks or even garlic bread for a more filling experience. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving adds freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture without drying out the pasta. Freezing is not recommended, as cream-based sauces tend to separate.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or even shells work well, though rotini’s twisted shape holds the sauce beautifully.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on your buffalo sauce and Cajun seasoning. You can reduce the heat by adding more ranch or using a mild buffalo sauce.

Can I make this recipe lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be less creamy. Grilled chicken also works if you prefer a leaner protein.

What vegetables can I add in?

Bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli are excellent additions that blend well with the Cajun Alfredo flavor.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken bites a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, then reheat and toss them in buffalo sauce right before serving.


Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you love this Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavor-packed recipes:


Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you lean into the heat with extra buffalo sauce, or did you balance it with more ranch? Did you sneak in some extra veggies?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own! Questions are always welcome too—let’s keep sharing tips and making weeknight dinners even better.

For more of my daily recipes, visit my Pinterest Life With Olivia.


Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta


  • Author: Olivia McKenney
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta combines tender buffalo-garlic chicken with creamy Cajun Alfredo rotini. A bold, comforting, and flavorful dinner perfect for pasta and spice lovers.


Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast bites

1 cup buffalo sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

12 oz rotini pasta

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

2 tbsp ranch seasoning

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

4 tbsp butter

2 cups celery sticks, for serving


Instructions

1. Season chicken bites with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. In a skillet with butter, cook until golden brown and juicy. Add garlic and buffalo sauce, tossing to coat.

2. Cook rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

3. In another pan, melt butter. Whisk in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, and Cajun spices until smooth.

4. Toss rotini into Alfredo sauce, adding pasta water if needed for creaminess.

5. Plate pasta, top with buffalo garlic chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve with celery sticks.

Notes

Add more ranch to tone down the spice or extra buffalo sauce for more heat.

Reheat leftovers with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Fresh parsley or chives brighten the dish and balance richness.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner / Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 2 cups)
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1150mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta, cajun alfredo, spicy dinner recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?