Description
Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo is a flavorful dish featuring tender, seared chicken chunks glazed in a sweet maple garlic sauce and paired with a creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors for a rich and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and toss with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Set aside to marinate briefly.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make Maple Garlic Glaze: Reduce heat to low. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, minced garlic, and maple syrup to the same skillet. Stir continuously until the garlic is fragrant and a glaze forms. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the glaze.
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cajun Alfredo Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter and add the remaining 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Add Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, ensuring no lumps.
- Toss and Serve: Combine the cooked pasta with the Cajun Alfredo sauce, tossing well to coat. Plate the pasta and top with the maple garlic chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute pasta with gluten-free noodles.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best sauce texture.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Maple syrup adds sweetness balancing the spiciness of Cajun seasoning; you can adjust the amount based on taste.
