Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Smoked Cajun Alfredo Gemelli 

This indulgent dish brings together crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken bites and gemelli pasta tossed in a smoky Cajun Alfredo sauce. The chicken is coated in a flavorful Parmesan–Panko blend and baked or fried until golden and crunchy, while the gemelli noodles are smothered in a creamy Alfredo sauce infused with smoked paprika and Cajun spices. Finished with fresh herbs, this recipe delivers both texture and bold flavor — perfect for dinner parties or when you want comfort food with a twist. Ready in under an hour. 

Ingredients

For the chicken bites:
• 2–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: Cajun or smoked paprika seasoning
• Oil for cooking, or for baking spray

For the smoked Cajun Alfredo gemelli:
• 8 oz (≈220 g) gemelli pasta
• 1–2 Tbsp butter or oil
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1–2 tsp smoked paprika and/or Cajun seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish 

Directions

1. Prep chicken: Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss chicken pieces in this mixture so they’re well coated.
   
   

2. Cook chicken bites:
   
   

   • Baking: Preheat oven to 400 °F. Arrange bites on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165 °F.
     
     

   • Frying: Heat oil in a skillet and fry chicken bites until golden and cooked through, then drain on paper towels.
     
     

3. Cook pasta: Boil gemelli in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
   
   

4. Make Alfredo sauce: In a saucepan or skillet, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté briefly. Pour in cream (or milk), then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Season with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. 

5. Combine: Toss drained pasta in the Alfredo sauce until coated. Plate with chicken bites atop or mixed throughout.
   
   

6. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil before serving. 

Nutrients

(Estimated per serving, recipe serves 2–3)

• Calories: ~600–700 kcal
  
  

• Protein: ~35–40 g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~50–60 g (mostly from pasta)
  
  

• Fat: ~25–30 g (from cream, Parmesan, oil)
  
  

• Fiber: ~2 g
  
  

• Sodium: ~800–1,000 mg (depends on seasoning and cheese)