Description
Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta is a bold and comforting dinner recipe made with juicy chicken, spicy jalapeños, garlic-infused cream sauce, and cheesy Cajun pasta. A perfect spicy chicken pasta for cozy weeknights or flavorful family meals.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or thighs
2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 oz twisted pasta (fusilli or rotini)
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken bites seasoned with salt and pepper. Sear until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté jalapeños and garlic until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Lower heat, stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and a bit of cheddar. Simmer until sauce is thick and smooth.
4. In a separate pot, boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
5. In a small saucepan, melt cheddar with a splash of cream and pasta water. Stir in Cajun seasoning until smooth.
6. Return chicken to the jalapeño garlic sauce and simmer 2-3 minutes.
7. Toss pasta with cheddar Cajun sauce.
8. Plate pasta, top with creamy chicken, and garnish with extra jalapeño slices if desired.
Notes
This dish is best served hot right after cooking.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to refresh the sauce.
Use pepper jack instead of cheddar for more heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg