Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli is a delectable dish that perfectly blends crunchy, golden chicken bites with creamy, smoky Alfredo pasta. Ideal for both quick weeknight dinners and special gatherings, this recipe delivers a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for seconds. With its crispy coating and rich sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz gemelli pasta
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning in a bowl.
- Coat each chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, cook gemelli pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream; season with salt and pepper; simmer until thickened.
- Toss cooked gemelli in the Alfredo sauce before serving alongside crispy chicken bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg