Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

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If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist, this dish is about to be your new obsession. Imagine juicy, golden-brown chicken bites drenched in rich garlic butter, paired with perfectly al dente twisted pasta coated in a creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo sauce. Every bite is a balance of indulgence and heat — the kind that warms you from the inside out.

This is the perfect recipe for when you want restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a weekend get-together. The garlicky aroma that fills your kitchen while cooking the chicken will make it impossible to resist sneaking a bite before serving.


Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating this delicious plate is all about using the right tools for the job:

  • Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Ensures your chicken bites get that perfect sear without overcrowding, locking in juices and flavor.
  • Medium Saucepan: Essential for making the Cajun Alfredo sauce separately so it stays creamy and smooth.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware and for folding the sauce into the pasta.
  • Sharp Chef’s Knife: Makes prepping chicken and herbs quick, clean, and safe.
  • Colander: Drains pasta efficiently while keeping it from overcooking.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

  • Chicken Breast or Thighs: Lean yet juicy protein base that soaks up the garlic butter.
  • Butter: The heart of the garlic butter sauce, adding richness and silkiness.
  • Fresh Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic depth to both chicken and sauce.
  • Cajun Seasoning: Delivers the smoky, spicy flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
  • Heavy Cream: Forms the luscious Alfredo base.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty creaminess to the sauce.
  • Twisted Pasta (Rotini or Fusilli): Perfectly holds onto every bit of creamy Cajun sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Helps achieve the perfect sear on the chicken.
  • Fresh Parsley: For garnish, adding a burst of color and freshness.
  • Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
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How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower heat to medium, add butter, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Return chicken to the pan and coat well.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

In a medium saucepan, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.

Step 5: Prepare the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In the saucepan, combine butter, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust with pasta water if needed.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss pasta in the Cajun Alfredo sauce until well-coated. Serve alongside garlic butter chicken bites, garnished with parsley.


Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Serve hot for the best texture and flavor. Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but you’ll miss out on the fresh sear and infused garlic butter flavor.

What pasta shapes work best?

Rotini or fusilli are ideal, but penne or farfalle will also work.

Can I make it less spicy?

Reduce Cajun seasoning or mix with paprika for a milder profile.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan.

Can I freeze leftovers?

The pasta sauce may separate when thawed, so freezing is not recommended.


Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites from Life With Olivia:

You can also find even more daily recipe inspiration on my Pinterest Life With Olivia.


Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it extra spicy? Did you try swapping the chicken for shrimp?

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


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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta


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

Description

Juicy garlic-butter chicken bites served beside spirals of pasta swirled in a creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo. It’s weeknight-easy, restaurant-level cozy, and built for serious flavor.


Ingredients

1.25 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bites

2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided

1 tsp kosher salt, divided

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

4 tbsp unsalted butter, for chicken

4 cloves garlic, minced, divided

12 oz rotini (twisted) pasta

2 tbsp unsalted butter, for sauce

1.5 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

1/41/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

1/2 lemon, juiced (optional, to brighten)


Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Toss with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper.

2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer; cook 4–6 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through. Reduce heat to medium; add 4 tbsp butter and half the minced garlic. Toss to coat 30–60 seconds. Transfer chicken to a warm plate.

3. Boil the pasta: Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.

4. Build the Cajun Alfredo: In a saucepan (or the wiped skillet), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add remaining garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream, remaining 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until lightly thickened.

5. Finish the sauce: Whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Loosen with splashes of reserved pasta water until glossy and clings to a spoon. Optional: stir in lemon juice.

6. Sauce the pasta: Add drained pasta to the sauce; toss until every twist is coated and silky.

7. Plate and garnish: Serve pasta with garlic-butter chicken bites on the side (or fold chicken into the pasta). Sprinkle with parsley and more Parmesan if you like. Enjoy hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.

Reserve pasta water before draining; its starch is the secret to a luxuriously silky sauce.

Adjust heat to taste: cut the Cajun seasoning in half for mild, or add extra Cajun plus red pepper flakes for a kick.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 2 cups pasta + 4 oz chicken)
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 940 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Cholesterol: 175 mg

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, Cajun Alfredo, pasta, weeknight dinner

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