Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac features tender, flavorful chicken bites seared to perfection and served atop creamy Cajun-spiced Alfredo macaroni. The dish is finished with a crispy fried onion topping and fresh parsley, blending rich, spicy, and crunchy textures for a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cajun Alfredo Mac:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce)
Toppings:
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing until browned and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. In the final minute of cooking, stir in the minced garlic to infuse flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Using the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cream cheese and stir continuously until smooth and melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking to combine well. Add the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to incorporate the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese and Adjust Seasoning: Lower the heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or Cajun seasoning if needed.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce and Serve: Add the cooked pasta into the Alfredo sauce, stirring well to coat each piece thoroughly. Serve the creamy Cajun Alfredo mac topped with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish generously with crispy fried onions and freshly chopped parsley to add a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a creamier sauce.
- Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- If preferred, substitute elbow macaroni with cavatappi or another short pasta shape that holds sauce well.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance—start with less if unsure and add more to taste.
- To make ahead, prepare chicken and pasta separately and reheat gently with sauce before serving to maintain texture.
