Garlic Butter Cajun Alfredo Pasta (Print Version)
Juicy chicken, rich Alfredo, and spicy Cajun flavors unite in this creamy twisted pasta dish.
# Ingredients:
→ For the Chicken Bites
01 -
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
04 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 -
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
06 -
Kosher salt, to taste
07 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For the Spicy Cajun Alfredo Pasta
08 -
12 ounces twisted pasta such as fusilli or rotini
09 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 -
3 garlic cloves, minced
11 -
1.5 cups heavy cream
12 -
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 -
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
15 -
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
16 -
Kosher salt, to taste
17 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
18 -
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chicken pieces, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and reserve on a plate.
03 -
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add remaining minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Once the cream is simmering, add grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Stir until both cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with Cajun seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if desired, salt, and black pepper.
04 -
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with Alfredo sauce. Toss thoroughly until the pasta is fully coated.
05 -
Add the reserved chicken bites to the pasta. Gently mix to combine and heat through for about 2 minutes, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
06 -
Plate the pasta and chicken while hot. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, allow the cooked chicken to rest briefly before combining with pasta. Adjust Cajun spice and red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.