Description
Looking for a comforting yet bold dinner idea? These Easy Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli are exactly what you need. Crunchy, golden chicken bites made with juicy chicken breast and a cheesy Parmesan-panko crust, paired with creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta — it’s a weeknight winner and a family favorite. Perfect for quick dinner ideas, cozy food nights, or when you’re craving something indulgent but easy. Packed with flavor, this easy recipe is sure to become one of your top food ideas for both comfort and style.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds chicken breast
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
12 ounces gemelli pasta
1.5 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup neutral oil or olive oil (for frying)
½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of Parmesan and panko.
3. Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gemelli until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
6. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add smoked paprika and Cajun seasoning. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
7. Add Parmesan to the sauce and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, using pasta water to loosen if needed.
9. Plate pasta and top with crispy chicken bites. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan.
10. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, creamy, crispy goodness!
Notes
Use a thermometer to keep your oil around 350°F for the crispiest chicken.
Save your pasta water to adjust the Alfredo sauce texture without thinning out the flavor.
For less spice, reduce Cajun seasoning and replace with sweet paprika or extra garlic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: easy dinner, crispy chicken, Alfredo pasta, comfort food, food ideas, quick recipe