Description
Craving something bold, creamy, and packed with flavor? This Savory Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta is your new go-to for an easy dinner or cozy weekend indulgence. Juicy, herb-seared chicken bites meet a smoky Cajun kick, all nestled into a rich Alfredo sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, creamy pasta recipes, or a hearty and delicious food idea that feels restaurant-worthy, this dish checks all the boxes. Perfect for weeknight meals, gatherings, or romantic dinners at home!
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
8 ounces rotini pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Pinch red pepper flakes
0.25 cup sautéed spinach or mushrooms
Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
1. Dice chicken into small cubes and marinate with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 20 minutes.
2. Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Heat skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken bites for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Pour in heavy cream, stir until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
6. Fold in sun-dried tomatoes and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
7. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing gently until coated. Cook together for 1 more minute.
8. Plate pasta, top with chicken bites, garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For an extra-creamy result, double the Alfredo sauce and add gradually when tossing.
Don’t rush the chicken sear—golden edges are key to deep flavor.
Avoid using pre-shredded cheese; freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, Cajun Alfredo, chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe, weeknight meal