Description
This Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta is a bold, spicy, and creamy dinner idea featuring juicy chicken, zesty jalapeños, and cheesy Cajun pasta. Perfect for weeknight meals, it’s packed with flavor, comfort, and just the right kick.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
1 fresh jalapeño, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces twisted pasta (like cavatappi or rotini)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and half the Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining butter, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheddar. Stir until melted and smooth. Add remaining Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
6. Add the chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir to combine, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
7. Top with Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
Creamy sauces thicken as they sit, so reheat with a splash of cream or milk.
You can control the spice by removing the jalapeño seeds or using fewer peppers.
Rotini or cavatappi pasta holds the sauce best due to its twists and curves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 655
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg