Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta

Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Mia Park
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

A bold, creamy weeknight dinner, Buffalo Garlic Chicken Bites & Ranch Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta combines juicy buffalo-garlic chicken with silky ranch Cajun Alfredo over rotini. This easy skillet pasta is loaded with flavor, perfect for game day or family dinners. Keywords: buffalo garlic chicken bites, ranch Cajun Alfredo, twisted pasta, creamy buffalo pasta, weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

1 1/2 lb chicken breast, cut in 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup buffalo sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp fine salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

12 oz rotini pasta

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

1 tbsp ranch seasoning powder

2 tsp Cajun seasoning

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp lemon juice, optional


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini until just al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and black pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high; add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.

4. Reduce heat to medium; add 2 tbsp butter, minced garlic, and buffalo sauce. Toss to coat the chicken; transfer chicken and juices to a bowl.

5. In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream; whisk in Parmesan, ranch seasoning, and Cajun seasoning. Simmer gently, 3 to 4 minutes, until creamy.

6. Stir in 1 to 3 tbsp reserved pasta water to loosen as needed; taste and adjust seasoning.

7. Add drained rotini and 2 tbsp butter; toss until every twist is glossy and coated.

8. Return buffalo garlic chicken to the skillet with any juices; toss.

9. Finish with parsley and optional lemon juice for brightness.

10. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if you like.

Notes

Bring cream to a gentle simmer only, not a hard boil, to prevent breaking.

Salt lightly at first if your buffalo sauce and Parmesan are salty; you can always add more.

Save pasta water before you drain; it’s your secret to silky sauce.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop, Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 860
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 1580 mg
  • Fat: 55 g
  • Saturated Fat: 30 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 64 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 63 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg