Description

Craving crispy, cheesy comfort with a little Southern swagger? These Parmesan Crusted Chicken Bites bring a shattering crunch and juicy center, piled over silky Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli that clings to every twist of pasta. Bold Cajun spice meets velvety Alfredo for an easy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy and weeknight-friendly.

Ingredients

1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes

1 tsp kosher salt divided

0.5 tsp black pepper divided

0.5 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

0.75 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese for coating

1 tsp garlic powder

0.5 tsp smoked paprika for coating

0.5 tsp Cajun seasoning for coating

0.25 cup olive oil for pan-frying or use cooking spray for baking

12 oz gemelli pasta

2 tbsp unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic minced

1.5 cups heavy cream

0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for sauce

1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning for sauce

0.5 tsp smoked paprika for sauce

0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional

0.5 tsp kosher salt for sauce or to taste

0.25 tsp black pepper for sauce or to taste

0.5 cup reserved pasta cooking water as needed

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

1 tbsp lemon juice optional to brighten

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper.

2. Set up dredging station: flour; beaten eggs; panko + 0.75 cup Parmesan + garlic powder + smoked paprika (coating) + Cajun seasoning (coating).

3. Dredge chicken in flour, then egg, then press into Parmesan–panko mixture to coat.

4. Pan-fry over medium heat 3–4 minutes per side to 165°F, or bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes on a greased rack, flipping halfway.

5. Boil gemelli in salted water to al dente; reserve 0.5 cup pasta water and drain.

6. Melt butter; sauté garlic 30 seconds. Add cream, Cajun seasoning (sauce), smoked paprika (sauce), and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes; whisk in 0.75 cup Parmesan until smooth. Season to taste.

7. Toss pasta with sauce, loosening with pasta water. Top with chicken; garnish parsley and lemon. Serve immediately.

Notes

Chill coated chicken 10 minutes before cooking for a crispier crust.

If the sauce thickens on standing, whisk in warm pasta water or a splash of cream.

Prep Time: 25
Cook Time: 25
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop; Oven-Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 800
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 980
Fat: 40
Saturated Fat: 22
Unsaturated Fat: 17
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 64
Fiber: 3
Protein: 45
Cholesterol: 165