Description
A bold and comforting fusion of textures and flavors: crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken bites meet creamy, smoky Cajun Alfredo sauce wrapped around tender gemelli pasta. This restaurant-worthy meal delivers crunch, creaminess, and spice in every bite.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)
12 ounces gemelli pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1.5 cups heavy cream
0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
0.25 teaspoon liquid smoke
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
2 to 4 tablespoons reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere coating.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches, 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set on wire rack.
4. Boil gemelli pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
5. In a saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in cream and simmer.
6. Stir in Cajun seasoning, liquid smoke, and Parmesan. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Toss cooked pasta in Alfredo sauce. Add pasta water if needed for consistency. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
8. Plate Alfredo gemelli and top or serve with crispy chicken bites. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh Parmesan and garlic for the best flavor and consistency.
Always fry chicken in batches to avoid sogginess from oil temperature drops.
To lighten the dish, bake the chicken at 400°F for 25 minutes instead of frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups pasta + 5–6 chicken bites
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: crispy chicken, Cajun Alfredo, gemelli pasta