Description

If you’re craving creamy comfort with a bold kick, Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites & Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli is the answer. This easy dinner idea blends crunchy, cheesy chicken with smoky Cajun Alfredo pasta, making it the perfect choice for quick meals, indulgent dinners, or when you’re out of breakfast ideas and want something heartier. Great for food lovers looking for a flavorful and satisfying combo—it’s a must-try easy recipe with serious comfort-food energy.

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 large eggs

½ cup all-purpose flour

12 ounces gemelli pasta

1 ½ cups heavy cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic minced

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil)

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of panko and Parmesan in the third.

3. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the Parmesan breadcrumb mix.

4. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

5. Cook gemelli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

6. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

7. Stir in heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

8. Add grated Parmesan to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Use pasta water to adjust consistency.

9. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer together for 1–2 minutes.

10. Plate the pasta and top or serve alongside the crispy chicken bites. Garnish with parsley and fresh black pepper.

Notes

Double-coating the chicken (egg → breadcrumb → egg → breadcrumb again) gives an ultra-crunchy finish.

If you’re short on time, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead—just fry and combine before serving.

Add a squeeze of lemon over the chicken or pasta to brighten and balance the rich flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying + Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1¼ cups pasta + 4–5 chicken bites)
Calories: 730
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: easy dinner, comfort food, crispy chicken, creamy pasta, chicken alfredo, Cajun pasta