Description
Spicy, creamy, and totally irresistible — this Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta is the ultimate dinner idea that merges two comfort food favorites. Juicy buffalo-glazed chicken bites pack the heat, while a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce with a ranch twist hugs every curve of twisted rotini pasta. Finished with blue cheese crumbles and crisp celery, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves bold, indulgent flavor. Great for quick dinners, game nights, or impressing guests with a food idea that’s as easy as it is unforgettable.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic finely minced
1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
10 oz rotini pasta
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese
1 tbsp ranch seasoning
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
2 celery stalks chopped
Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Toss with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and olive oil. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat and sauté minced garlic. Stir in buffalo sauce and honey. Return chicken to pan, coat in sauce, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add heavy cream and milk. Stir in cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
6. Mix in ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, pepper, salt, and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
7. Add cooked rotini to the Alfredo sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Add pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
8. Plate the pasta and top with buffalo garlic chicken bites. Garnish with blue cheese, celery sticks, and chopped parsley.
Notes
Cream cheese takes the Alfredo from good to incredible — don’t skip it!
Celery and blue cheese aren’t just garnish — they balance heat with crunch and tang.
Use pasta water to fix a thick Alfredo. It’s your secret weapon for creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken, creamy pasta, ranch Alfredo, twisted pasta, dinner ideas, game night recipes, spicy chicken bites, easy comfort food