Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Tuscan garlic chicken bites sun dried tomato cajun alfredo pasta! It’s one of those dishes that has a special place in my heart—and in my stomach! I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlicky chicken sizzling on the stove filled my kitchen, and I just knew I was onto something delicious. The creamy cajun alfredo sauce mixed with those rich sun dried tomatoes creates a flavor that’s simply to die for. And the tender chicken bites? They just soak up all that goodness! This dish is perfect for cozy dinner nights or impressing guests, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds. So, let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!
Ingredients List
To create this scrumptious Tuscan garlic chicken bites sun dried tomato cajun alfredo pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients. They’re simple and straightforward, making it easy to gather everything you need before starting your delicious adventure!
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Make sure to have everything prepped and measured out before you start cooking; it really helps the process go smoothly and keeps the chaos to a minimum—trust me, I’ve had my fair share of last-minute ingredient hunts!
How to Prepare Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites Sun Dried Tomato Cajun Alfredo Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! This process is super straightforward, and I promise the end result will be absolutely worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
First things first, heat up your olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute—oh, the smell! Then, add your cubed chicken breast to the pan. Cook those bites for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they’ve lost that pink color and are juicy and tender. Don’t rush this part; let that garlic and chicken mingle for maximum flavor!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Now, let’s make that creamy sauce! In the same pan, stir in the chopped sun dried tomatoes and pour in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 3-5 minutes. This is when the flavors really come together, so keep an eye on it! Once it’s nicely warmed through, stir in the grated parmesan cheese, and let it melt into that luscious sauce. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—just perfect!
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is simmering, don’t forget about the pasta! Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the fettuccine. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Make sure to give it a stir now and then so it doesn’t stick together. When it’s done, drain the pasta but save a little pasta water just in case you need to loosen up the sauce later!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now for the grand finale! Add the cooked pasta directly into the pan with your chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is beautifully coated in that creamy, flavorful goodness. If it seems a bit thick, just splash in a little of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve it up on plates, and don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh basil on top for that pop of color and flavor!
Tips for Success
To make your Tuscan garlic chicken bites sun dried tomato cajun alfredo pasta absolutely perfect, here are a few tried-and-true tips! First, if you like a bit more heat, don’t be shy with the cajun seasoning—feel free to add a pinch more to really amp up those flavors! On the other hand, if you’re looking for a milder dish, you can dial it back or even use a mild seasoning blend.
Also, if you’re gluten-free, swapping in gluten-free fettuccine is an easy fix that won’t sacrifice flavor. Just be sure to check the cooking times, as they can vary. Lastly, I always recommend tasting as you go; it’s the best way to ensure it’s just right for your palate. You’re going to love this dish, and with these tips, it’ll turn out fabulous every time!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! This Tuscan garlic chicken bites sun dried tomato cajun alfredo pasta is not only delicious, but it also packs a satisfying punch in terms of nutrition. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and variations you use. But no matter the numbers, you’re in for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving up your Tuscan garlic chicken bites sun dried tomato cajun alfredo pasta, there are so many delightful options to elevate your meal! I love pairing this creamy dish with a crisp, refreshing salad—think a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or even a classic Caesar salad. The brightness of the greens really balances the richness of the pasta.
If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, warm, crusty garlic bread is always a hit! It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. And don’t forget about a nice glass of white wine, like a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc; it pairs beautifully with the flavors of the dish. Trust me, these simple additions will make your dinner feel extra special!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this Tuscan garlic chicken bites sun dried tomato cajun alfredo pasta? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get about this dish:
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is my go-to, this recipe works wonderfully with penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they can vary a bit.
What if I don’t have sun dried tomatoes?
No problem! You can substitute with roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop them up and toss them in; it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare everything and store it separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and sauce, then add the cooked pasta. It’ll taste just as great!
How spicy is the cajun seasoning?
The spice level really depends on the brand of cajun seasoning you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a little less and taste as you go—you can always add more if you like it spicy!
Can I freeze leftovers?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish as the cream sauce may not thaw well. However, you can keep it in the fridge for about 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve made this delicious Tuscan garlic chicken bites sun dried tomato cajun alfredo pasta and have some leftovers—great choice! Let’s make sure you store them properly so you can enjoy that creamy goodness later. First, let the pasta cool down to room temperature before you pack it away. Then, transfer it into an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and prevents any funky fridge odors from sneaking in!
You can store your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure you label the container with the date, so you know when it’s time to dig in again! Now, when it comes to reheating, the microwave is super convenient. Just pop it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely to prevent splattering, and heat in short intervals—about 1 minute at a time—stirring in between until it’s warmed through.
If you prefer the stovetop method, that works too! Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add the pasta, and stir gently until it’s heated all the way through. You might want to add a splash of milk or a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens up too much. And there you go—easy peasy! Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Creamy Chicken Pasta.
For nutritional information on pasta, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Tuscan Garlic Chicken Bites: 5-star Cajun Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tuscan garlic chicken bites served with sun dried tomato cajun alfredo pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and chicken. Cook until chicken is browned.
- Stir in cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In the same pan, add sun dried tomatoes and heavy cream.
- Simmer for a few minutes, then stir in parmesan cheese.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by varying the cajun seasoning.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: tuscan garlic chicken bites, sun dried tomato, cajun alfredo pasta
