Name: Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half & half; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish; 8 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli); 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup milk or cream; Salt and pepper, to taste

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I love how this Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta recipe combines bold heat with creamy textures. I combine tender, juicy chicken bites coated in a creamy jalapeño garlic sauce with rich, cheesy Cajun-spiced twisted pasta for a bold and comforting meal. The balance of heat, creaminess, and sharp cheddar creates a satisfying dish that feels indulgent yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Bites:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped

½ cup heavy cream or half & half

¼ cup cream cheese, softened

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish

For the Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta:

8 oz twisted pasta such as rotini or fusilli

2 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup milk or cream

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

I cook the twisted pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set it aside.

I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I add the chicken pieces, season them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook for about 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, I sauté the minced garlic and chopped jalapeños for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

I reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. I slowly whisk in the heavy cream until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.

I return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. I keep it warm while preparing the pasta sauce.

In a separate saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the Cajun seasoning. I add the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually, I stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.

I toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.

I plate a generous portion of the twisted cheddar Cajun pasta and top it with the creamy jalapeño garlic chicken bites. I finish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

I usually need about 15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking, so the total time comes to approximately 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes keep the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when I want extra heat. When I feel like switching things up, I swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. I also like adding steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or spinach to make the dish more colorful and hearty. For an even richer pasta, I replace the milk with heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer to warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. If I use a microwave, I heat it in short intervals, stirring in between to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy?

I remove all the jalapeño seeds and use only one pepper for a milder flavor. I can also reduce the Cajun seasoning slightly to tone down the heat.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

I can use pre-cooked chicken, but I like adding it after preparing the sauce so it absorbs the creamy jalapeño garlic flavor without overcooking.

What type of pasta works best?

I prefer rotini or fusilli because the twists hold onto the cheese sauce well, but I can also use penne or shells if that is what I have available.

Can I make it ahead of time?

I can prepare both the chicken and pasta sauces ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, I gently reheat and combine them for the best texture.

How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?

I make sure to melt the cheese gradually over medium to low heat and stir continuously. If the sauce becomes too thick, I add a small splash of milk to maintain a creamy consistency.

Conclusion

I enjoy how this Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta delivers bold flavor and comforting texture in every bite. The creamy sauces, tender chicken, and cheesy Cajun pasta create a balanced and satisfying meal that I find myself coming back to whenever I want something hearty with a little kick.

📖 Recipe:

Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

Tender chicken bites coated in a creamy jalapeño garlic sauce served over rich, cheesy Cajun-spiced twisted pasta for a bold and comforting meal.

Instructions

Cook the twisted pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped jalapeños for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Slowly whisk in heavy cream until well combined.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in Cajun seasoning. Add milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
Toss cooked pasta in the cheese sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve pasta topped with creamy jalapeño garlic chicken bites and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.