Tanya Rivers
Golden, tender chicken bites coated in a luscious chili garlic butter, paired with creamy Cajun corn Alfredo twists, create the ultimate comfort food duo. The chicken delivers a savory, slightly spicy punch, while the pasta balances it out with its velvety, cheesy sauce and hints of sweet corn. Every bite feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Whether you’re making this for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests on the weekend, this dish wins every time. It’s hearty, flavor-packed, and so satisfying that everyone will be asking for seconds. The contrast between the crispy, flavorful chicken and the smooth, creamy pasta is truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Cajun Corn Alfredo Twists
This recipe is a beautiful blend of bold and creamy. The chicken brings a kick of heat with the chili garlic butter, while the pasta soothes with its cheesy Cajun corn Alfredo sauce. It’s a one-plate meal that offers both comfort and excitement, plus it’s easier to make than it looks. You’ll love how it turns an ordinary night into something special.
What Type of Pasta Works Best for This Dish?
Fusilli, rotini, or any short, spiral-shaped pasta works beautifully here. Their curves catch the creamy Cajun corn Alfredo sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful. If you can’t find these shapes, penne or cavatappi are great alternatives.
Ingredients for the Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Cajun Corn Alfredo Twists
Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor in this dish.
- Chicken breast or thighs – Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing the chili garlic butter.
- Butter – Rich and creamy, it’s the base for our sauce.
- Garlic – Adds a bold aroma and deep flavor.
- Chili flakes – Provides that signature kick.
- Sweet corn kernels – Balances the heat with a hint of natural sweetness.
- Heavy cream – Creates the velvety Alfredo texture.
- Parmesan cheese – For a rich, cheesy depth.
- Cajun seasoning – Infuses the pasta with smoky, savory notes.
- Short spiral pasta (fusilli or rotini) – Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley – Brings color and freshness to finish the dish.
How To Make the Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Cajun Corn Alfredo Twists
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a little Cajun seasoning. Sauté in butter until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Chili Garlic Butter
In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic and chili flakes. Cook until fragrant, then toss the chicken back in to coat.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Create the Cajun Corn Alfredo Sauce
In a skillet, melt butter and stir in Cajun seasoning. Add corn, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Let it simmer until thickened, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss the pasta in the Alfredo sauce, plate alongside the chicken bites, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving and Storing Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Cajun Corn Alfredo Twists
This hearty recipe generously feeds about 4 people, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings. Serve it hot, with the chicken freshly coated in the chili garlic butter and the pasta still creamy. To store leftovers, keep the chicken and pasta in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to the pasta to restore its silky texture.
What to Serve With Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Cajun Corn Alfredo Twists
Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate.
Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Roasted Vegetables
Adds extra nutrition and a variety of textures.
Steamed Asparagus
A simple, elegant side that pairs well with both chicken and pasta.
Sweet Potato Fries
A slightly sweet and crispy companion to the savory chicken.
Sparkling Lemon Water
Cleanses the palate between bites.
Iced Tea with Lemon
A refreshing drink that complements the spice.
Fruit Salad
A light and fresh way to finish the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe. They’re naturally juicier and add a richer flavor to the chili garlic butter coating.
2. Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce the amount of chili flakes or use a mild paprika instead for a gentler heat.
3. Can I prepare the pasta sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Cajun corn Alfredo sauce up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with fresh pasta.
4. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne for a quick homemade Cajun blend.
5. Is there a dairy-free option?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative to make the pasta sauce.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep it spicy or tone it down? Did you try a twist with a different cheese?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.
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Chili Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Cajun Corn Alfredo Twists
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Saucepan or Dutch oven
- Colander
- Cutting board
- chef’s knife
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 clove garlic, minced
- 1.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Creamy Cajun Corn Alfredo Twists
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Melt 1 tbsp butter and add chicken. Sear 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through; transfer to a plate.
- Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes; cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Return chicken and toss to coat. Sprinkle with parsley; keep warm.
- Cook rotini in salted boiling water to al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- For the Alfredo, heat butter and olive oil over medium. Add corn and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thick.
- Toss drained rotini with the sauce, adding enough reserved pasta water to make it silky and glossy.
- Serve creamy twists with chili‑garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with parsley.