Description

Craving a bold dinner idea that blends comfort with a kick? This Maple Garlic Chicken Bites with Spicy Cajun Alfredo recipe hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, spicy, and creamy. Caramelized chicken bites glazed in maple and garlic pair perfectly with silky fettuccine coated in a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce. Whether you need a quick dinner, easy recipe for a weeknight, or just looking for new food ideas, this dish is a must-try. It’s the perfect mix of indulgence and ease—great for any night you want to serve up something unforgettable.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized chunks)

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic minced

¼ cup pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon soy sauce

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley chopped for garnish

8 ounces fettuccine pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for pasta)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic minced

1 ½ cups heavy cream

¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Salt to taste

1–2 tablespoons reserved pasta water

Fresh chopped parsley or green onion (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and pat dry. Season with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the fettuccine until just under al dente. Drain, reserve pasta water, and toss pasta with olive oil.

3. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in maple syrup and soy sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes.

5. Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the glaze. Add red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat and keep warm.

6. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes over medium-low heat.

7. Stir in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, paprika, pepper, and salt. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.

8. Add fettuccine to the sauce and toss to coat. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes for flavor to meld.

9. Plate the pasta and top with maple garlic chicken bites. Garnish with parsley or green onion and serve hot.

Notes

Always use real maple syrup for a deep, smoky-sweet flavor—pancake syrup won’t cut it.

Let your dairy come to room temperature before cooking to prevent curdling in the Alfredo sauce.

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken or you’ll miss out on that perfect golden crust.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. ¼ of recipe)
Calories: 710
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: maple garlic chicken, Cajun Alfredo, easy dinner, chicken pasta, comfort food, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner