Description
Turn up your weeknight dinner game with **Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta**—a bold, indulgent fusion of heat, cheese, and savory garlic. This quick dinner idea features golden-seared Cajun chicken bites nestled in a velvety cheddar-jalapeño sauce that clings to every twist of rotini pasta. Perfect for those looking for **easy recipes**, **dinner ideas with spice**, or **comfort food with a kick**, this one-pan meal is weeknight gold. Whether you’re a spice lover or just craving something creamy and hearty, this **easy dinner recipe** will win your heart (and stomach).
Ingredients
300g chicken breast
200g rotini pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Set aside.
3. In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add remaining butter, then garlic and jalapeño. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and fully melted.
5. Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Mix well, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and fold it into the pasta. Adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheddar for a smoother sauce—pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that clump.
Reserve some pasta water before draining—it’s perfect for adjusting sauce thickness without losing flavor.
If you’re sensitive to spice, remove jalapeño seeds or swap with bell pepper for a milder version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, chicken recipe, jalapeño, Cajun pasta, one pan meal, comfort food, quick dinner, food ideas