This creamy jalapeño garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar Cajun pasta is an exciting and flavorful meal. The combination of tender chicken cooked in a spicy, creamy sauce paired with cheesy, Cajun-seasoned pasta is simply irresistible. It’s a perfect dish for those who crave a little heat mixed with comfort food goodness.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli works well)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeños. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted and smooth.
Serve the chicken and pasta, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
For a lighter version, I can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
If I’m not a fan of spicy food, I can reduce or omit the jalapeños and Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor.
To make it gluten-free, I can use gluten-free pasta instead of the twisted pasta.
For a vegetarian twist, I can swap the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh.
Storage/Reheating
I can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I recommend warming it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, I can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like! Rotini, fusilli, penne, or even spaghetti will work well. I just prefer the twisted shape for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then just cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve. It’s best to reheat the sauce and chicken gently to avoid overcooking.
How can I adjust the spice level?
If I like more heat, I can add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, I can reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit the Cajun seasoning.
Can I use a different cheese?
If sharp cheddar isn’t your thing, feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit more spice.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
I ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It should also be golden and no longer pink in the center.
Conclusion
This creamy jalapeño garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar Cajun pasta is a fantastic meal that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare. It’s a great choice when I’m craving something comforting, spicy, and cheesy. Whether I’m cooking for myself or for a crowd, this dish always delivers on taste and satisfaction.
Recipe:
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Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy jalapeño garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar Cajun pasta is an exciting and flavorful meal. The combination of tender chicken cooked in a spicy, creamy sauce paired with cheesy, Cajun-seasoned pasta is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli works well)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeños. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted and smooth.
- Serve the chicken and pasta, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce or omit the jalapeños and Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta instead of the twisted pasta.
For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
