Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

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If you love bold flavors that bring a little heat and a lot of comfort, this dish is a perfect fit for your table. Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta is everything you want in a meal—it’s hearty, cheesy, slightly spicy, and packed with southern-inspired flavors that make every bite unforgettable.

The tender chicken bites are seared to golden perfection and coated in a silky garlic cream sauce, while the pasta is tossed in a rich Cajun cheddar blend for a smoky, savory kick. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe will hit the sweet spot between indulgence and home-style comfort.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cajun Cheddar Dishes?

Twisted pasta shapes like rotini, cavatappi, or fusilli are the best choices for this recipe. Their curves and ridges capture the creamy Cajun cheddar sauce beautifully, making sure every forkful is coated in bold, cheesy flavor. While you could use penne or rigatoni, the twisted cuts bring extra texture and fun to the dish.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

• Chicken breast or thighs – The base of the chicken bites, offering juicy tenderness that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Fresh garlic – Brings a bold, aromatic depth that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
• Jalapeños – Add just the right amount of heat and flavor complexity to elevate the sauce.
• Heavy cream – Creates the silky, indulgent base for the sauce.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – Gives the pasta its creamy, tangy, and slightly sharp profile.
• Cajun seasoning – A smoky blend that ties the pasta and chicken together with southern flair.
• Butter and olive oil – Essential for searing the chicken and building flavor.
• Pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi) – Twisted pasta captures all that cheesy Cajun goodness.
• Fresh parsley – For a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.

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How To Make the Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and set aside while you heat the skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites in a single layer, searing until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Jalapeño Cream Base

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed. Sauté minced garlic and diced jalapeños until fragrant. Slowly stir in heavy cream, allowing it to simmer and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Back

Return the seared chicken bites to the skillet, coating them in the creamy garlic jalapeño sauce. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and infused with flavor.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook your twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or cavatappi) according to package instructions. Drain, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.

Step 6: Make the Cheddar Cajun Pasta Sauce

In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in a bit of cream. Stir in sharp cheddar cheese and Cajun seasoning, whisking until smooth. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water for creaminess if needed.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Plate the Cajun cheddar pasta and top with the creamy jalapeño garlic chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

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Serving and Storing Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta

This dish is best enjoyed hot, right out of the skillet. The creamy jalapeño garlic sauce clings beautifully to the tender chicken, while the Cajun cheddar pasta holds onto its cheesy kick. For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture.

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What to Serve With Creamy Jalapeño Garlic Chicken Bites with Twisted Cheddar Cajun Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last drop of the creamy Cajun sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

A medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots balances the richness with light, caramelized flavor.

Side Salad

A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds freshness and cuts through the creaminess.

Cornbread

Sweet and tender cornbread pairs deliciously with the smoky Cajun flavors.

Grilled Asparagus

Its earthy taste and slight char add another layer of depth to the meal.

Pickled Jalapeños

If you love spice, a side of tangy pickled jalapeños brightens the dish even more.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

For a full comfort-food feast, creamy mashed potatoes are always a winning choice.

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Want More Pasta Night Ideas?

If you loved these creamy jalapeño garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar Cajun pasta, you’ll definitely want to try some of these other pasta favorites from my collection:

• Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Skillet for a smoky, hearty one-pan meal.
• Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheddar Pasta Skillet when you’re craving bold barbecue flavors in pasta form.
• Ultimate One-Pan Creamy Honey Butter Steak Pasta for a sweet and savory twist.
• One-Pot Creamy Cajun BBQ Steak Sausage Penne for a spicy, cheesy comfort dinner.
• Cheesy Ranch Chicken Garlic Butter Fettuccine if you want a ranch-flavored pasta with garlicky richness.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this flavorful dish to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Did you try it with a twist—maybe extra jalapeños or a sprinkle of smoked paprika? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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