Description

Turn up the flavor on your next dinner with this Easy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta—a creamy, bold, and spicy pasta dish loaded with seared chicken bites, sun-dried tomatoes, and a dreamy Cajun Alfredo sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food that delivers both depth and balance in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, an easy recipe to impress, or a creamy and spicy food idea, this pasta checks all the boxes for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp garlic powder

0.5 tsp onion powder

0.5 tsp sea salt

0.25 tsp black pepper

0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

10 oz rotini pasta

1 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped

1.5 cups heavy cream

1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

salt and pepper to taste

0.25 cup reserved pasta water (optional)

0.25 cup fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Toss chicken cubes in olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

6. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer on low for 3–4 minutes.

7. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season to taste.

8. Add cooked pasta and reserved water as needed. Toss to coat.

9. Plate the pasta and top with chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and texture—avoid pre-shredded cheese.

Let the sauce cool slightly before adding cheese to avoid clumping or breaking.

Save that pasta water—it helps adjust the sauce and make it silky.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. ¼ of recipe)
Calories: 720
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, Tuscan chicken, Cajun Alfredo, chicken pasta