Description
This crispy parmesan chicken bites with smoked Cajun Alfredo gemelli recipe is the ultimate comfort food dinner. It features juicy chicken bites coated in golden parmesan crust paired with a creamy, smoky Cajun Alfredo sauce over gemelli pasta. Perfect for weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
12 ounces gemelli pasta
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (for sauce)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Dredge chicken in this mix.
3. In a separate bowl, combine panko and 1 cup parmesan. Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken bites in batches until golden and crispy. Set aside.
5. Cook gemelli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.
6. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
7. Stir in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Add parmesan and stir until smooth.
8. Toss cooked gemelli in Alfredo sauce, using pasta water to adjust thickness if needed.
9. Plate pasta and top with crispy chicken bites. Garnish with extra parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Fry chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
Reheat leftovers separately to keep the chicken crunchy and pasta creamy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet + Boil
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg