Description

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli recipe is a crave-worthy dinner combining crispy chicken bites and smoky, creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce. Perfect comfort food with bold flavor and a restaurant-quality finish. Great for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or impressing guests.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast

1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp paprika

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

8 oz gemelli pasta

2 tbsp butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

2 oz cream cheese

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with a mix of panko and grated Parmesan.

3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high and pan-fry chicken until golden and crispy. Set aside.

4. Boil gemelli pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.

5. In a skillet, melt butter and sautée garlic. Stir in cream cheese until smooth. Add heavy cream, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thick.

6. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss to coat and stir in more Parmesan.

7. Plate creamy pasta and top with crispy chicken bites. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

This dish is best served immediately while the chicken is crispy.

For extra heat, add a dash of cayenne or chili oil on top before serving.

Store leftovers with pasta and chicken separate for best reheating results.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Cajun Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx.)
Calories: 640
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 145mg