Description

Savor the rich flavors of Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired with spicy Cajun pasta. Tender chicken pieces are expertly seared and tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce laced with Cajun spices, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of freshly chopped parsley. Served over perfectly cooked twisted pasta, this 45-minute meal is a deliciously comforting dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1 pound Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Use thighs for extra juiciness.)
2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (Adjust based on heat preference.)
1 teaspoon Salt (For boiling pasta.)
1 teaspoon Black Pepper (To enhance flavors.)

Sauce

1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Essential for searing.)
4 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Can use salted; reduce extra salt.)
1 cup Heavy Cream (Half-and-half can lighten it up.)
0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated; can substitute with any hard cheese.)

Pasta

8 ounces Twisted Pasta (Rotini or Fusilli) (These shapes hold sauce well.)
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Chopped; optional but recommended.)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts or thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Evenly sprinkle the Cajun seasoning onto the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them for 5 to 6 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, add the unsalted butter to the skillet, and allow it to melt completely. Sauté the minced garlic in the butter until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
Simmer the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Combine and Serve: Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl and toss it with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Add the reserved pasta water little by little if the sauce needs loosening. Mix in the seared chicken pieces until everything is well combined and heated through.
Garnish and Serve Hot: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more juicy and tender bites.
Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to control the spice level.
Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Reserve pasta cooking water to help thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Fresh parsley adds a fresh herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
Use grated Parmesan or any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano for subtle variation in flavor.