Description

This bold and creamy dish combines tender crispy chicken bites with a Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce and sweet roasted corn, tossed over rotini pasta. It’s perfect for weeknights when you crave comfort with a spicy twist. The crispy sear on the chicken and richness of the sauce make every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds chicken breast or thighs, cubed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1.5 cups heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

0.5 teaspoon salt

0.5 teaspoon black pepper

12 ounces rotini pasta

1 cup roasted corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)

2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Toss the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.

2. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

3. In a hot skillet over medium-high, sear chicken until deeply browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Set aside.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a light simmer. Stir in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

6. Let the sauce thicken slightly, then stir in the roasted corn.

7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.

8. Serve the pasta topped with the crispy chicken and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Make sure your skillet is hot when searing the chicken to get a flavorful crust.

Don’t skip the reserved pasta water — it helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice level preference; go mild or bold.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 720
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 860 mg
Fat: 42 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 165 mg

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Cajun Pasta, Rotini, Creamy Pasta, Spicy Chicken