GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN BITES & SPICY CAJUN ALFREDO TWISTED PASTA

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired with Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta (like rotini or fusilli). It’s creamy, spicy, buttery, and protein-packed perfect for a weeknight dinner with flair.

🍗 Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley or fresh thyme (optional)

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

4. Reduce heat, add butter and garlic, stir to coat. Cook 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.

5. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, squeeze over lemon juice, and set aside.

🍝 Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin sauce)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside (reserve some pasta water).

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, sauté 1 minute.

3. Add cream and Cajun seasoning. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.

4. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

5. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use pasta water to loosen if needed.

🍽️ To Serve:

• Plate pasta, top with garlic butter chicken bites.

• Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of lemon juice for brightness.

🔥 Tips:

• Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the pasta for extra veggies.

• Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a variation.

• Cajun seasoning often contains salt — adjust additional seasoning accordingly.