If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch in flavor and is super easy to whip up, you’ve got to try my creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar cajun pasta! This dish has become a weeknight favorite in my house—it’s creamy, spicy, and oh-so-delicious. I remember the first time I made it; I was experimenting with some leftover chicken and jalapenos, and it turned into this delightful concoction that had everyone coming back for seconds! The best part? It takes just about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy nights when you still want something hearty and satisfying. Trust me, once you taste those cheesy pasta bites coated in creamy sauce, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these mouthwatering creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar cajun pasta. Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start, as they all come together beautifully!
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 jalapenos, minced (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces twisted pasta
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to grab some extra cheese if you’re like me and love that ooey-gooey goodness! And remember, you can always tweak the jalapeno amount to get that perfect level of heat that suits your taste buds. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Ready to dive into making these creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar cajun pasta? Let’s get started! I promise it’s easier than you think, and oh-so-rewarding. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:
- First things first, cook the twisted pasta according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside. You want that perfect bite!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that it smokes.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. You’ll want to ensure there’s no pink left inside—safety first!
- Next, it’s time to amp up that flavor! Add the minced jalapenos and garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they’re fragrant. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Now, stir in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the cajun seasoning. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens—watch as it transforms into a creamy, dreamy sauce!
- Once your sauce is looking luscious, it’s cheese time! Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and smooth. Oh, that gooey texture is to die for!
- Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in that creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy!
- Serve your delicious creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites hot, and get ready for everyone to dig in. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
And there you have it! Just a few simple steps to create a dish that’s sure to impress. I love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar cajun pasta! I always find it helpful to know what I’m putting into my body, so here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition facts per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
These bites are packed with flavor and protein, making them a hearty choice for any meal. Just remember, if you swap in low-fat cream or adjust the cheese, the nutritional values might change a bit. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy goodness without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Loaded with flavor from spicy jalapenos and savory garlic.
- Rich and creamy sauce that makes every bite a delight.
- Cheesy, gooey goodness that everyone in the family will love.
- Adaptable to suit your taste—adjust the spice level to your liking!
- One-pot meal means less cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- Great for leftovers, making it a fantastic option for meal prep!
- A comforting dish that brings everyone together at the table.
Trust me, once you make this creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar cajun pasta, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar cajun pasta turns out just perfect every time! These little nuggets of wisdom have saved me in the kitchen more times than I can count:
- Don’t Rush the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked through and golden brown before adding the jalapenos and garlic. This not only helps with flavor but also ensures it’s safe to eat!
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, you can always start with just one jalapeno and add more to taste. You can also remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
- Stir That Sauce: When you add the heavy cream and cheddar cheese, keep stirring! This will help create that smooth, creamy texture that’s oh-so-satisfying. No one wants a clumpy sauce!
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook your twisted pasta just to al dente, since it will continue to cook a bit when you mix it with the sauce. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Season with Care: Taste your dish after combining everything! You might want a little more salt or pepper to really bring out those flavors, but remember that cajun seasoning can be salty too!
- Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can easily be reheated in a skillet with a splash of cream to bring back that delicious creaminess.
- Experiment! Feel free to switch up the pasta type or add in some veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a little extra color and nutrition. The possibilities are endless!
With these tips in your back pocket, I know you’ll whip up a batch of creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar cajun pasta that will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to change things up a bit, there are plenty of delicious ways to tweak my creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar cajun pasta! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Different Pasta Shapes: Swap out the twisted pasta for any shape you have on hand, like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti! Each type will bring its own unique texture to the dish.
- Alternative Proteins: Not a chicken fan? No problem! You can easily substitute the chicken with shrimp, diced turkey, or even sautéed tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Veggie Boost: Add in some fresh veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the jalapenos and garlic for a tasty twist!
- Spice Levels: If you love heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the jalapenos. For a milder version, consider using roasted red peppers instead!
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is amazing, feel free to mix it up! Try pepper jack for an extra kick, or go with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and gouda for a creamy, melty delight!
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives right before serving for added freshness and flavor that brightens up the dish!
With these variations, you can easily customize your creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar cajun pasta to suit your taste. So get creative and have fun in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to properly store and reheat your delicious creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar cajun pasta, so you can enjoy those flavors even after the first serving! Here’s the scoop:
First off, make sure to let any leftovers cool down to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation from making your dish soggy. Once they’re cool, transfer the creamy bites into an airtight container. I always like to use a glass container for storing leftovers; it keeps everything fresh and is microwave-safe, which is a win-win!
You can keep your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly to lock in that creamy goodness! If you think you won’t finish them within that time frame, you can also freeze the dish. Just portion them out into freezer-safe containers, and they should keep well for up to 2 months.
Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. For the microwave, simply pop your portion in for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s heated through. If you want to go the stovetop route, add a splash of cream or a little water to a skillet over low heat, then add your pasta. Stir gently until it’s warmed up—this helps maintain that creamy texture without drying it out.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites with twisted cheddar cajun pasta, even days later. Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I make these creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of combining the pasta with the sauce, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it on the stove with a splash of cream before serving to keep it creamy and delicious.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a mix of milk and cream. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich, but it will still be tasty!
Can I use frozen chicken for this dish?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can also cook frozen chicken in the skillet, but it will take a bit longer to ensure it’s cooked through.
How spicy are these creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites?
The spice level can vary based on how many jalapenos you use and whether you include the seeds. I recommend starting with one or two minced jalapenos, tasting as you go, and adjusting based on your heat preference!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the chicken with your favorite protein like tofu or tempeh, and keep everything else the same. You might want to add some extra veggies for added flavor and nutrition!
For more information on the health benefits of jalapenos, you can check out this article.
Print
Creamy Jalapeno Garlic Chicken Bites with Cheesy Twist!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites served with twisted cheddar cajun pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 jalapenos, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces twisted pasta
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook twisted pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced jalapenos and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cajun seasoning, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeno quantity for desired spice level.
- Use low-fat cream for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: creamy jalapeno garlic chicken bites, twisted cheddar cajun pasta
