Description
Get ready to impress with Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo, a flavor-packed fusion of sweet, spicy, and creamy! Juicy chicken glazed in a sticky maple garlic sauce pairs perfectly with smoky Cajun Alfredo pasta, delivering a restaurant-quality meal in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, or bold food ideas that excite your taste buds, this dish checks all the boxes. Great for weeknights, entertaining, or indulgent leftovers—this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
8 ounces fettuccine
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
salt and black pepper to taste
fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
1–2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Marinate chicken with maple syrup, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes. Let sit for at least 20 minutes.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
3. In a hot skillet, sear marinated chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
4. In the same pan, lower heat and sauté garlic in butter and olive oil until fragrant.
5. Add cream and milk. Simmer slightly, then stir in parmesan cheese until melted.
6. Season the sauce with Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Adjust with pasta water if too thick.
7. Toss in the cooked pasta until coated and creamy. Let it simmer briefly, then remove from heat.
8. Plate the pasta and top with chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy hot.
Notes
Let the chicken marinate for as long as possible to infuse flavor deeply—overnight is ideal.
Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother Alfredo sauce; pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it’s the key to silky, clingy sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Cajun Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 645
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: maple garlic chicken, cajun alfredo pasta, quick dinner, spicy pasta, easy dinner recipe