Description
Indulge in this flavorful Lemon Cajun Chicken Bites served over creamy Garlic Alfredo Twists. Tender chicken seasoned with zesty Cajun spices pairs perfectly with a rich Parmesan garlic cream sauce tossed with al dente rotini pasta, finished with a fresh lemon twist and parsley garnish. A perfect 30-minute dinner that combines spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (adjust spice level to taste)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta (spiral shape holds creamy sauce well)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (for best texture)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp Chopped Parsley
- Olive oil, for tossing pasta
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning evenly. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream mixture until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything gently for about 1 minute to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the creamy rotini pasta onto serving plates and top with the Lemon Cajun Chicken Bites. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to control the spice level.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best sauce texture and flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the Alfredo sauce if it becomes too thick.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
- Rotini pasta works best as its spiral shape holds the sauce well, but you can use other types if preferred.
