Description
If you’re craving a bold, comforting, and exciting dinner, Crispy Chicken Bites & Blackened Cajun Alfredo with Roasted Corn Twists is the recipe to try. It features tender, spice-rubbed chicken bites seared to perfection and served with a creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce tossed with roasted corn and rotini pasta. This easy dinner is loaded with flavor, has that Southern-style kick, and delivers the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, spicy, and sweet. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, comfort food with a twist, or a hearty meal for a special occasion, this easy recipe will satisfy every craving.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp onion powder
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
10 oz rotini pasta
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.5 cup roasted corn kernels
2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.25 cup cream cheese
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and cut it into bite-sized cubes.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve 0.5 cup pasta water.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high. Sear the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
6. Add heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes.
7. Stir in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and pepper. Stir until melted and smooth. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
8. Mix in roasted corn and cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat.
9. Plate pasta, top with crispy chicken bites, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Let the chicken rest before cutting to retain juices.
Add a splash of pasta water to revive leftovers before reheating.
Grate your own Parmesan for smoother, creamier sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: crispy chicken, Cajun Alfredo, creamy pasta, roasted corn, easy dinner