Description
This Juicy Lemon Cajun Chicken Bites with Creamy Alfredo Twists recipe combines tender, flavorful Cajun-seasoned chicken bites with creamy, cheesy Alfredo rotini pasta. The dish is elevated with a hint of fresh lemon juice and parsley, creating a perfect balance of zesty and rich flavors in a quick 45-minute meal ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 8 ounces Rotini Pasta
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup Parsley, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with Cajun seasoning until fully coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 6–8 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Simmer the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for 2–3 minutes until the cream slightly thickens.
- Add Cheese: Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked rotini to the Alfredo sauce and stir well to coat all the pasta. Let it simmer for an additional minute to meld the flavors, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Alfredo pasta and top with the Cajun chicken bites. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess in the sauce.
- You can substitute rotini with other short pasta like penne or fusilli if preferred.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
