Description
This indulgent Tuscan garlic chicken bites served with sun-dried tomato Cajun Alfredo pasta is a deliciously creamy and spicy dish perfect for a quick yet sophisticated weeknight dinner. Juicy, seasoned chicken bites combine with a rich Alfredo sauce infused with garlic and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, tossed with fusilli pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Butter
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 ounces Fusilli or Rotini Pasta
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the seasoned chicken to rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to use in the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Pasta: Whisk the grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce until melted and smooth. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat every piece with the sauce. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Combine Chicken and Garnish: Return the sautéed chicken bites to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine and heat through. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute fusilli with gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Turkey or firm tofu can be used instead of chicken for different protein options.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is key for achieving a silky and well-balanced sauce consistency.
- The dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
