Description
Looking for a bold, comforting meal that feels gourmet but takes less than an hour? This Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites & Sun-Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta is a knockout dinner idea that combines creamy Alfredo sauce with Cajun spice, garlic-herb seared chicken, and sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes. It’s the perfect easy dinner when you’re craving restaurant-style flavor at home—ideal for weeknights, date nights, or quick family meals. Packed with protein and full of creamy, zesty, herby goodness, this recipe fits the bill whether you’re after a quick comfort food fix or looking for new healthy-ish dinner ideas.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Water and salt for boiling pasta
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
5. Stir in parsley and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook another minute to release flavor.
6. Pour in heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then stir in parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice if needed.
7. Return chicken and pasta to skillet. Toss to coat everything in sauce. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Serve hot with extra parsley, parmesan, and optional red pepper flakes on top.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking the chicken—this helps it get a proper sear.
Freshly grated parmesan makes the sauce creamier and more flavorful than pre-shredded.
If reheating leftovers, add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 17
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 47
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 130
Keywords: easy recipe, dinner ideas, pasta recipe, Cajun Alfredo, garlic chicken, Tuscan pasta