Description

Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken pieces seared and simmered in a spicy jalapeño garlic cream sauce, served alongside perfectly cooked twisted pasta tossed in a rich cheddar cheese and Cajun seasoning sauce. This recipe offers a delightful blend of heat from jalapeños, the boldness of Cajun spices, and the creaminess of sharp cheddar, perfect for an indulgent yet quick dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

2 lbs Chicken Breasts (Consider chicken thighs for extra juiciness)
2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
Salt, to taste
Black Pepper, to taste

Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Sauce

1 tbsp Butter (or olive oil as a lighter alternative)
2 tbsp Olive Oil
4 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh for best flavor)
1-2 Jalapeños, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
1 cup Heavy Cream (half-and-half as a lighter alternative)

Cheddar Cajun Pasta

1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or Monterey Jack as substitute)
8 oz Twisted Pasta (Rotini, Fusilli, or Cavatappi; avoid thin pasta like spaghetti)
2 tbsp Butter (for cheese sauce)
Additional Cajun Seasoning for cheese sauce
Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish (or cilantro or omit)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter together over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear until they develop a golden brown crust, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Jalapeños: Using the same skillet, add a little more butter if necessary. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped jalapeños for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, building the base for the sauce.
Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine with the sautéed garlic and jalapeños. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet and simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender, absorbing the creamy jalapeño garlic sauce flavors.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the twisted pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta to use in the cheese sauce for consistency adjustments.
Prepare the Cheddar Cajun Sauce: In a separate pan over medium heat, whisk together reserved heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Use some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
Plate and Garnish: Serve the cheesy Cajun pasta on plates, top generously with the creamy jalapeño garlic chicken bites, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or your preferred herb.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
Remove jalapeño seeds to control heat level according to preference.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
If sharp cheddar is unavailable, Monterey Jack cheese makes a great alternative.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the cheese sauce consistency perfectly.
Fresh parsley adds color and freshness but can be omitted or replaced with cilantro.
To make it spicier, add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.