Description
Turn up the flavor with this irresistible *Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta*! Juicy seared chicken, spicy jalapeño, bold garlic, and a rich, cheesy Cajun cream sauce come together over twisty rotini for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a quick dinner idea or an easy weeknight recipe, this dish delivers big flavor in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving creamy pasta, spicy chicken bites, or looking for bold food ideas, this one is sure to satisfy. A must-add to your list of dinner ideas and weeknight go-tos!
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
8 oz rotini pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium jalapeño, finely diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and jalapeño. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until softened.
5. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in more Cajun seasoning to taste. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
6. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and sauce is smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
7. Toss cooked rotini into the sauce until fully coated. Add chicken and fold gently to combine.
8. Let everything heat together for 1–2 more minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded and creates a smoother sauce.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s essential for a silky, clingy sauce.
If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the jalapeño seeds or replace with mild pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American with Cajun Influence
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, cajun pasta, spicy chicken recipe, easy dinner, quick weeknight meal, twisted pasta with cheese, chicken bites recipe, comfort food idea