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Chicken Bites over Creamy Cajun Twisted Pasta
Isabella

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites over Creamy Cajun Twisted Pasta

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken breast sliced into thick strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 tablespoons butter divided
  • 12 cloves garlic minced, divided
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning divided
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 1 lb twisted pasta cavatappi or gemelli
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups grated Parmesan divided
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Cook twisted pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3 minutes per side until golden.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons butter, 6 cloves garlic, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Toss for 1 minute until glossy and coated. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley, transfer to a plate, and cover.
  5. Wipe the skillet clean. Melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat, add 6 cloves garlic, and sauté 30 seconds.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and milk. Simmer gently, then whisk in cream cheese until smooth.
  7. Lower heat. Stir in mozzarella and remaining 1.5 cups Parmesan a handful at a time until thick and stretchy.
  8. Stir in 1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  9. Toss twisted pasta in the sauce until every twist is fully coated.
  10. Plate twisted pasta on one side, garlic Parmesan chicken on the other. Garnish with parsley.