Description

Crave-worthy, weeknight-easy, and ridiculously flavorful. Juicy chili garlic butter chicken bites meet creamy Cajun corn Alfredo rotini for a spicy‑creamy fusion that delivers comfort without the fuss. This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner planning, dinner ideas, and food ideas when you want something bold yet cozy. Keywords: quick breakfast, easy dinner, healthy snack, breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas.

Ingredients

500 g boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp chili paste

1 tbsp honey (optional)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 pinch salt

1 pinch black pepper

2 tbsp green onions, chopped (garnish)

250 g rotini pasta

1 cup sweet corn kernels

1 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 pinch salt

1 pinch black pepper

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (garnish)

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

4 wedges lemon (for serving)

Instructions

1. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.

2. Pat chicken dry; season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken in a single layer 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Stir in chili paste and honey. Return chicken; toss to coat and simmer 1–2 minutes.

4. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add corn and Cajun seasoning; cook 2–3 minutes until lightly charred. Reduce heat; add heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic powder. Simmer until thickened; season to taste.

5. Toss pasta with the Alfredo, loosening with reserved pasta water as needed to coat the twists silkily.

6. Plate creamy pasta and top (or side) with chili garlic butter chicken. Garnish with parsley and green onions; serve with lemon wedges and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Reserve some pasta water—its starch helps emulsify and silk up the Alfredo.

Don’t crowd the chicken; sear in batches for crisp, caramelized edges.

For a lighter sauce, swap in half-and-half; simmer gently to avoid splitting.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350 g)
Calories: 610
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 690
Fat: 32
Saturated Fat: 16
Unsaturated Fat: 16
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 3
Protein: 34
Cholesterol: 140

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