Description
This Indulgent Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites with Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender, spicy chicken with a creamy garlic-infused Alfredo sauce. Featuring sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy sweetness and perfectly cooked fusilli pasta to hold the luscious sauce, this quick 30-minute meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts (Tender and juicy; can be swapped with turkey or tofu.)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (Adds a spicy kick.)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For sautéing.)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (Enhances flavor.)
- To taste Salt (Essential seasoning.)
- To taste Pepper (Essential seasoning.)
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces Fusilli or Rotini Pasta (These shapes hold sauce well; gluten-free varieties can be used.)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Fresh garlic adds aromatic goodness.)
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Infuses tangy sweetness.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Creates a rich base.)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Intensifies sauce creaminess.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (For garnish.)
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water (Helps adjust sauce consistency.)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Pasta: Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Garnish: Return the sautéed chicken bites to the skillet and mix thoroughly with the pasta and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for alternative protein options.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to control the spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial to adjust the sauce’s texture without thinning out the flavor.
- Fresh garlic enhances flavor significantly, so avoid pre-minced garlic if possible.
