Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo

Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo combines sweet, sticky chicken with a rich, creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. The caramelized maple-garlic glaze adds a subtle sweetness to the chicken bites, while the spicy, creamy Alfredo sauce coats the pasta with bold, flavorful kick. It’s a quick, easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together two incredible flavors—sweet and spicy—in one mouthwatering plate. The juicy maple garlic chicken bites are perfectly complemented by the creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo pasta. It’s a perfect fusion of comfort food and bold flavors that your family will love. Quick to make, indulgent to eat, and full of flavor, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for chicken)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 oz fettuccine (or linguine)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sauce)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more to serve

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

Directions

1. Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry and toss with salt and pepper.

2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through.

3. Glaze Chicken: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to the skillet; cook for 30 seconds. Stir in maple syrup and toss until the chicken is glossy and the glaze thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm.

4. Boil Pasta: Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

5. Start Sauce: In a second skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter (and olive oil if using). Stir in Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, warming for about 15 seconds.

6. Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

7. Finish Pasta: Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. If needed, loosen the sauce with reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.

8. Serve: Plate the Cajun Alfredo, top (or side) with maple garlic chicken bites, and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by adding more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to your taste.

• Chicken Alternatives: You can swap the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a different protein option.

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta and chicken in a skillet over medium heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it.

FAQs

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap fettuccine with linguine, penne, or any pasta shape you like.

Is there a substitute for maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can work as a substitute for a similar sweet flavor.

Can I use a different protein for this dish?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a different twist on the dish.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, add more Parmesan cheese to help thicken it. You can also reduce the sauce by simmering it a little longer.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and just reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the pasta. However, you can substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I use dairy-free options?

Yes, you can use dairy-free butter, cream, and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version of this dish.

Can I make the sauce without cream?

You can make a lighter version of the Alfredo sauce by using milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less creamy.

How do I make the chicken crispy?

For extra crispy chicken, sear it in a little more oil and let it brown longer before adding the maple syrup glaze.

Conclusion

Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness. The crispy, flavorful chicken bites pair wonderfully with the rich, zesty Cajun Alfredo pasta, making this dish an instant comfort food favorite. It’s quick, easy to make, and bursting with flavor—ideal for a weeknight dinner that your whole family will enjoy. Try it today and experience the delicious fusion of bold Cajun spices and sweet maple garlic chicken!

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