Description
Looking to spice up your dinner routine? This Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta brings bold Southern flavors and creamy comfort to your table. It’s a satisfying mix of seared garlic chicken, Cajun spice, smooth cheddar sauce, and perfectly twisted rotini. Ideal for those seeking easy dinner ideas, quick pasta recipes, or a flavor-packed comfort meal—this one’s a keeper.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
10 ounces rotini pasta
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, finely diced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon mustard powder
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper to taste
0.5 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine chicken chunks with olive oil, garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Let it marinate.
2. Bring salted water to a boil, cook rotini until al dente, reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water, and drain.
3. Sear chicken in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
4. In the same pan, add butter, garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
5. Stir in Cajun seasoning, onion powder, mustard powder. Add heavy cream and simmer.
6. Reduce heat and whisk in cheddar and parmesan until creamy.
7. Add cooked pasta, toss to coat, and adjust thickness with pasta water if needed.
8. Add chicken back, mix, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Bring cream and cheese to room temperature before adding to avoid curdling.
Save that pasta water—it helps fix thick sauce and keeps it silky.
Sear chicken in batches if needed for the best crispy edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.25 cups
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: easy recipe, dinner ideas, creamy pasta, spicy chicken, comfort food, Cajun chicken pasta