Description
A restaurant-worthy chicken dinner at home: tender maple garlic chicken bites, tossed with creamy spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta, and paired with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts for the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
¼ cup pure maple syrup
4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
12 oz fettuccine pasta
1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes. Toss with maple syrup, half the garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear chicken until golden brown and caramelized; set aside.
3. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a sheet pan at 400°F for 18–20 minutes until crispy.
4. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
5. In the chicken skillet, melt butter. Add remaining garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in cream, Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
6. Toss pasta into sauce, adding pasta water as needed for creaminess.
7. Assemble plates with Cajun Alfredo pasta, top with maple garlic chicken, and serve alongside crispy Brussels sprouts. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness if you prefer dark meat.
Adjust Cajun seasoning for heat level, or add hot sauce for more spice.
To reheat leftovers, add a splash of cream or milk to pasta for a silky texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chicken Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Oven
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
Keywords: Maple garlic chicken, Cajun Alfredo pasta, Brussels sprouts