Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Spicy Cajun Alfredo
After a long, exhausting day, there’s something deeply comforting about a skillet full of garlic butter chicken simmering away—especially when it meets a creamy Cajun Alfredo that hugs every bite of pasta.
I still remember the first time I tossed these golden, garlicky chicken bites into a bubbling pan of spicy Cajun Alfredo. It wasn’t just dinner; it was therapy. And now, it’s one of those quick-fix recipes I always go back to when I need warmth without the wait.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need much to whip up this creamy delight:
Tongs or wooden spoon
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 500g boneless chicken breast (diced)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cajun Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream (Try this plant-based one if lactose-sensitive)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Pasta:
- 200g penne or fettuccine
- Salt & water for boiling
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Bites
In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in chicken, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, boil pasta in salted water. Cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining
Step 3: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t rinse), add more butter and olive oil. Sauté garlic, then stir in Cajun seasoning. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Simmer for a minute or two so the flavors combine beautifully.
💡 Want to save time? Use pre-minced garlic jars that stay fresh and ready to go.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the chicken—keep it juicy by cooking on medium-high heat.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances flavor.
- Taste your sauce before adding salt; Cajun seasoning can be salty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Q2: What’s the best pasta for Cajun Alfredo?
Fettuccine and penne work best—they hold the sauce well.
Q3. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick.
Q4: Is this recipe spicy?
Mildly. Adjust cayenne and Cajun seasoning to your taste.
Q5: What’s a good substitute for Parmesan?
Try aged cheddar or Pecorino Romano if Parmesan isn’t available.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken can be best served with
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted veggies
- A light lemon soda or iced tea
Conclusion
This garlic butter chicken recipe is comfort made easy. Whether you’re cooking for cozy nights or trying to impress someone with minimal effort, this one delivers every single time. Plus, with simple tools and pantry-friendly ingredients, it fits perfectly into real life.