Description
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food combo—Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo Mac with Crispy Onion Topping. Juicy garlic butter-seared chicken meets ultra-creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta, finished with crispy fried onions for that irresistible crunch. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner, searching for cozy food ideas, or in need of something indulgent but easy, this recipe nails it. Perfect for weeknight dinners, dinner ideas with bold flavor, or impressing guests without the stress. This is your new go-to easy dinner recipe that satisfies every craving.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1 cup crispy fried onions
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken breast into small, even pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. In a saucepan, melt remaining butter. Add heavy cream and whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
6. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and remaining Cajun seasoning. Add cheddar and parmesan; stir until melted.
7. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat thoroughly. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
8. Plate the creamy pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites.
9. Finish with crispy fried onions and chopped parsley, then serve hot.
Notes
Let the cream cheese soften at room temp to help it melt quickly and smoothly into the sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken—cook in batches if needed for best texture.
For extra spice, stir in a pinch of cayenne or serve with hot sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: easy dinner, comfort food, Cajun chicken, alfredo pasta, quick pasta, dinner ideas, chicken mac and cheese