Bold, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy—this Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta is the dish you make when you want comfort food that still feels exciting. Tender chunks of chicken are seared to perfection, locking in juicy flavor, then tossed atop a rich, cheesy Cajun pasta with a hint of smoky heat and fresh jalapeño zing. The result? Every bite hits that magical balance between creamy indulgence and vibrant spice.

This is the kind of pasta dinner that turns a simple night in into something worth savoring. The spiraled pasta hugs the sauce beautifully, while the Cajun seasoning gives the dish depth without overpowering the creaminess. Pair that with the pop of fresh garlic and jalapeño, and you’ve got a weeknight meal that could easily pass as a restaurant specialty.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

For the perfect texture and flavor, you’ll want to have the right tools on hand:

Large skillet or cast iron pan – Essential for getting that golden sear on your chicken without overcooking it.
Medium saucepan – Perfect for building the cheddar Cajun sauce separately so it stays creamy.
Pasta pot – A roomy pot helps cook your spiraled pasta evenly and prevents sticking.

Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Great for stirring the sauce without scratching your pans.
Sharp chef’s knife – For clean, precise cuts when chopping jalapeños, garlic, and chicken.

Each of these tools ensures your cooking process is smooth and your ingredients reach their full flavor potential.

Ingredients for the Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Chicken breast – Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up Cajun seasoning.
Rotini pasta (twisted pasta) – The spirals hold onto the creamy sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
Fresh jalapeños – Adds a bright, spicy kick that complements the richness.

Garlic cloves – Brings aromatic depth and enhances the savory profile.
Cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce, giving it a bold, sharp creaminess.
Heavy cream – Creates the luscious, velvety base for the Cajun sauce.

Cajun seasoning – Delivers smoky, peppery warmth that ties the flavors together.
Olive oil – Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken and prevents sticking.
Salt & pepper – Balances and elevates all other flavors.

Fresh parsley – A pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.

How To Make the Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breast dry, cut into bite-sized pieces, and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Sauce Base

In a medium saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil. Add minced garlic and diced jalapeños, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Make it Cheesy and Creamy

Pour in heavy cream, then gradually whisk in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Season with more Cajun seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked rotini into the sauce until well-coated. Plate the pasta, then top with seared chicken bites.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Serving and Storing Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Serve this dish straight from the stove to the table while the sauce is still luxuriously creamy and the chicken is juicy. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

For storage, let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore its silky texture. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it can cause the sauce to split.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this pasta?

The heat is moderate, coming mainly from fresh jalapeños and Cajun seasoning. You can reduce the spice by removing jalapeño seeds or using fewer peppers.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rotini is great for holding onto the sauce, penne, fusilli, or farfalle work just as well.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then store them separately. Combine with freshly cooked pasta right before serving for the best texture.

What protein substitutes work in this recipe?

Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu make excellent alternatives while keeping the Cajun flavor intact.

Can I freeze this pasta?

Freezing is possible, but the cream sauce may separate when reheated. If freezing, undercook the pasta slightly and reheat gently with extra cream.

How can I make it even creamier?

Add an extra handful of cheddar or a tablespoon of cream cheese when making the sauce for extra richness.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Cajun Twist?

If you love this Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavor-packed favorites:

One-Pan Creamy Cajun Honey Garlic Steak Pasta

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time. Check out my Pinterest for more recipes here.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep it mild or go full spice mode? Did you try adding extra cheese or swap the protein?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta is a flavor-packed comfort dish featuring tender chicken bites seared in Cajun seasoning, paired with spiraled pasta coated in a rich jalapeño-garlic cheddar cream sauce. It’s bold, creamy, and has just the right amount of spice for a weeknight or special dinner.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry, cut into bite-sized pieces, and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. In a medium saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add garlic and jalapeños, sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream, whisk in cheddar cheese gradually until smooth. Season with extra Cajun seasoning to taste.

6. Toss pasta into sauce until coated evenly. Plate pasta and top with chicken bites.

7. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.