Description
This Southern-inspired dinner pairs crispy buttermilk chicken bites with a smoky Cajun alfredo sauce, tossed into roasted corn rotini for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with bold flavor from start to finish—perfect for weeknight indulgence or weekend wow-factor.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breasts or tenders
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
8 oz rotini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup roasted corn kernels
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Oil for frying
Instructions
1. Place chicken in a bowl with buttermilk and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Mix flour, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning in a bowl. Coat marinated chicken pieces in this mix.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet and fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Set on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in Cajun seasoning. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce thickens.
6. Fold roasted corn into the sauce and toss with the cooked pasta.
7. Plate creamy pasta and top or serve with crispy chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
For best results, fry chicken just before serving to keep it ultra crispy.
Add extra Cajun seasoning if you love a spicier kick, or reduce it for mild taste.
You can use an air fryer for the chicken for a lighter version—spray lightly with oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, crispy chicken, creamy pasta, comfort food