Description

Crispy, golden Parmesan-crusted chicken bites meet velvety smoked Cajun Alfredo wrapped around gemelli pasta—an easy dinner with restaurant vibes, perfect for dinner ideas and quick weeknights. Keywords: easy recipe, food ideas, Parmesan crusted chicken, smoked Cajun Alfredo, gemelli.

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

12 ounces gemelli pasta

1 tablespoon salt, for pasta water

2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, optional

Instructions

1. Set up three shallow bowls: seasoned flour; beaten eggs; panko mixed with Parmesan.

2. Pat chicken dry. Dredge in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in panko–Parmesan.

3. Heat oil in a skillet (medium). Fry chicken in batches 3–4 minutes per side to 165°F (74°C); drain.

4. Boil gemelli in salted water to al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain.

5. Melt butter; sauté garlic 30–60 seconds. Add cream; warm gently. Whisk in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika; season.

6. Toss pasta with sauce, loosening with reserved pasta water until glossy.

7. Plate pasta, add chicken bites, garnish with herbs and Parmesan; serve hot.

Notes

Pat chicken very dry before breading so the crust adheres and crisps.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting and better flavor.

Keep Alfredo on medium-low heat and thin with pasta water for a silky, stable sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
Calories: 720
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 1050
Fat: 39
Saturated Fat: 19
Unsaturated Fat: 18
Trans Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 56
Fiber: 2
Protein: 38
Cholesterol: 180

Keywords: Parmesan crusted chicken bites, smoked Cajun Alfredo, gemelli, easy dinner, dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas, creamy pasta