Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. This recipe combines juicy chicken bites infused with spicy jalapeños and garlic, all wrapped in a creamy sauce. Paired with twisted pasta and gooey cheddar cheese, it makes for a hearty meal that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
How to Make Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta
Ingredients
- Chicken bites
- Jalapeños
- Garlic
- Cream
- Cajun seasoning
- Twisted pasta
- Cheddar cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped jalapeños; sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken bites to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in cream and Cajun seasoning, mixing until the chicken is coated and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- In another pot, cook twisted pasta according to package instructions. Drain and mix in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve the creamy chicken bites over the cheesy Cajun pasta.
How to Serve Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta
Serve this dish hot, with a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning or fresh herbs on top for added flavor. It goes well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Guests can enjoy it directly from the serving dish or plate it up for a more formal presentation.
How to Store Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta
To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta
- For added heat, keep some seeds from the jalapeños when chopping them.
- Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning to fit your preferred spice level.
- Try using different types of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for unique flavors.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Replace the cream with a plant-based alternative to keep it creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken bites?
A: Yes, frozen chicken bites can be used. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly as per package instructions.
Q: What if I don’t have twisted pasta?
A: You can use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
Q: How can I make it spicy?
A: Increase the amount of jalapeños or add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for more heat.
Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta
A delightful dish combining juicy chicken bites with spicy jalapeños and garlic in a creamy sauce, served over twisted pasta with gooey cheddar.
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken bites
- 2 jalapeños, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cream
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz twisted pasta
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped jalapeños; sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken bites to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in cream and Cajun seasoning, mixing until the chicken is coated and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- In another pot, cook twisted pasta according to package instructions. Drain and mix in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve the creamy chicken bites over the cheesy Cajun pasta.
Notes
Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning or fresh herbs. Pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg