Description

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli is a flavorful weeknight dinner made with crispy chicken breast, creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce, and tender gemelli pasta. This easy pasta recipe is rich, spicy, and satisfying—perfect for chicken lovers craving bold comfort food.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts

2 eggs

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

8 oz gemelli pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional: Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Whisk eggs in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix Parmesan cheese and panko.

3. Dip each chicken piece into egg, then coat with the cheese and breadcrumb mixture.

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Pan-fry chicken pieces until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

5. Cook gemelli in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

6. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add heavy cream, paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.

7. Toss cooked gemelli in the Alfredo sauce. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

8. Plate pasta and top with chicken bites. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best crust and flavor.

Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying or the chicken won’t crisp up.

Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Fried
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 630
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 145mg