Indulge in a dynamic and incredibly flavorful culinary experience that’s sure to become a new favorite! Featuring tender chicken bites tossed in spicy chili garlic butter alongside perfectly al dente twisted pasta for maximum saucy grip. Everything is sumptuously coated in a rich, creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce infused with sweet corn purée. A final flourish of smoky fire-roasted corn, fresh green onions, and a dusting of smoked paprika adds the perfect vibrant and aromatic finish.
Yields: 2-3 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients
🍝 Twisted Pasta:
225g (8 oz) twisted pasta (like fusilli, rotini, or cavatappi)
Salt for pasta water
🔥🍗 Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
450g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce (like Huy Fong, adjust to your spice preference) 🌶️
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
🌽 Sauce: Creamy Cajun Corn Alfredo:
2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
350ml (1 ½ cups) heavy cream
120ml (½ cup) chicken broth
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
240ml (1 cup) canned or frozen corn (thawed if frozen), plus 2 tbsp extra for garnish
240ml (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
✨ Top:
120ml (½ cup) fire-roasted corn (canned or frozen, thawed) 🌽
2-3 green onions, thinly sliced 🌿
½ tsp smoked paprika (for dusting)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the twisted pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 120ml (½ cup) of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Prepare Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken bites with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and nicely browned.
Reduce heat to low. Add the 2 tbsp butter, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce to the chicken. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant and chicken is coated in the spicy butter. Keep warm.
Prepare Creamy Cajun Corn Alfredo Sauce
In a separate large skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in 350ml (1 ½ cups) heavy cream and 120ml (½ cup) chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Stir in 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
Add 240ml (1 cup) of the corn to the sauce.
Using an immersion blender directly in the skillet (or carefully transfer to a regular blender), blend the sauce until the corn is mostly puréed and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Gradually whisk in 240ml (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of reserved pasta water.
Combine & Assemble
Add the cooked twisted pasta to the Cajun corn Alfredo sauce. Toss well to ensure every spiral is coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce. If needed, add a bit more reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Gently fold in the chili garlic butter chicken bites with the sauced pasta.
Divide the Alfredo pasta and chicken among serving bowls.
Garnish generously with fire-roasted corn, thinly sliced green onions, and a dusting of smoked paprika.
Serve immediately and savor every bite of this extraordinary, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal!
Tips for Success
Chili Garlic Sauce: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce in the chicken to your preferred heat level.
Corn Purée: Blending the corn directly into the sauce gives it a natural sweetness and creamy texture without adding chunkiness. If you prefer some texture, you can blend only half of the corn.
Fire-Roasted Corn: Using fire-roasted corn for the topping adds a layer of smoky depth that complements the Cajun flavors. If unavailable, regular roasted corn or even fresh kernels can work.
Pasta Choice: Twisted pasta shapes are excellent for catching and holding the rich sauce, ensuring a saucy bite every time.
Sauce Consistency: The reserved pasta water is your best friend for adjusting the sauce to your preferred thickness.