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
Instructions
Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry and toss with salt and pepper.
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.
Glaze Chicken: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Stir in maple syrup and toss until the chicken is glossy and the glaze thickens (1-2 minutes). Remove from heat and keep warm.
Boil Pasta: Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Start Sauce: In a second skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter (and olive oil if using). Stir in Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes; warm for 15 seconds.
Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Finish Pasta: Add drained pasta to the sauce, loosening with reserved pasta water until silky.
Serve: Plate the Cajun Alfredo, top (or side) with maple garlic chicken bites, and garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Warm, Not Boiling: Keep the Alfredo at a gentle simmer so the cream doesn’t split and the cheese melts smoothly.
Same-Size Bites: Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking and glazing.
Adjust the Heat: Start with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and add more (and/or red pepper flakes) to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: American
