Description
Creamy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible — this Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta blends Italian comfort with Southern heat. Tender chicken bites are seared with Cajun seasoning, while sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness to the silky Parmesan Alfredo sauce. The rotini pasta hugs every drop of flavor, making it a perfect choice for a quick dinner idea, special date night, or weekend comfort food indulgence. This easy recipe is perfect for anyone looking for dinner ideas, a creamy pasta fix, or a rich yet simple food idea for entertaining.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
12 oz rotini pasta
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, pat dry, and season with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Add remaining 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
5. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
6. Toss pasta with sauce, adding pasta water as needed to adjust thickness. Stir in parsley.
7. Serve pasta with chicken bites on top or mixed in, garnished with extra parsley.
Notes
Patting chicken dry before cooking ensures a better sear.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
Reserve pasta water to keep the sauce silky and adjustable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 34
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 49
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 37
- Cholesterol: 165
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, Tuscan garlic chicken, Cajun Alfredo, pasta recipe, dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas