Description
Looking for a bold, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for dinner ideas or next-level food inspiration? These Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta bring together spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch Alfredo sauce, and twisted rotini for the ultimate comfort dish. This easy recipe checks every box—quick dinner, creamy pasta, protein-packed chicken, and even a side of fresh celery for crunch. Perfect for anyone craving an easy dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp buffalo sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp onion powder
salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp chopped parsley
8 oz rotini pasta
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.75 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup cream cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
salt and pepper, to taste
optional crushed red pepper flakes
3 stalks celery, sliced
ice water
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice the celery. Soak celery in ice water to keep it crisp.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear the chicken over medium-high heat. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
4. Turn off heat and toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce until evenly coated. Set aside and keep warm.
5. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, Cajun spice, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
8. Plate the pasta, top with buffalo chicken, add celery sticks on the side, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot with optional ranch or buffalo drizzle.
Notes
Start with room-temperature cream cheese and milk to ensure a smooth Alfredo sauce.
Sear chicken in batches for better browning and juicy bites.
Always salt your pasta water—it’s the only time to season the noodles from within.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken pasta, Cajun Alfredo, easy dinner, twisted pasta, spicy chicken pasta