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
