Description
Enjoy a flavorful weeknight dinner with these crispy Parmesan chicken bites served with a smoky Cajun Alfredo gemelli pasta. This recipe offers a perfect balance of crunchy chicken and creamy, spicy pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz gemelli pasta
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (for sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning.
- In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
- Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the Parmesan-panko mixture. Place coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken bakes, cook the gemelli pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 0.5 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Stir in the 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Add the cooked gemelli pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve the crispy Parmesan chicken bites over the creamy Cajun Alfredo gemelli pasta.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, ensure each piece is well-coated and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- If gemelli pasta is unavailable, fettuccine, penne, or rotini can be used.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breast for a juicier bite.
- For a vegetarian option, use tofu cubes or cauliflower florets instead of chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 650 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 5g
- Sodium: Approx. 900mg
- Fat: Approx. 35g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 20g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50g
- Fiber: Approx. 3g
- Protein: Approx. 35g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 150mg
Keywords: Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites, Parmesan Chicken Bites, Chicken Bites, Parmesan Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Alfredo Pasta, Cajun Alfredo, Gemelli Pasta, Easy Chicken Recipe, Homemade Chicken Bites