Creamy Garlic Chicken & Corn Spaghetti Salad

 Description

This creamy garlic chicken and corn spaghetti salad is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sweet corn, and perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a smooth, garlicky cream sauce. It can be served warm as a main dish or chilled as a pasta salad, making it versatile for lunches, dinners, or gatherings.

 Servings

4–5 servings

 Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

 Ingredients

Main

• 250 g spaghetti
• 2 chicken breasts (cut into strips)
• 1 cup sweet corn (boiled or canned)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cream Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Extra cheese (optional)

 Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti
   • Boil in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook chicken
   • Heat olive oil + butter in a pan.
   • Add chicken, season with salt & pepper, cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare sauce
   • In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
   • Add cream and milk, stir well.
   • Mix in parmesan cheese, seasoning, and chili flakes.
4. Combine
   • Add cooked spaghetti, chicken, and corn into the sauce.
   • Toss until everything is well coated and creamy.
5. Serve
   • Garnish with parsley and extra cheese.
   • Serve warm or chill for salad-style serving.

     Notes

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook spaghetti; it should stay slightly firm.
• You can substitute cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.

 Tips

• Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
• For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-frying.
• Chill for 1–2 hours if serving as a cold pasta salad.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness.

 Nutritional Information (Approx per serving)

• Calories: 450–500 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g

 Health Benefits

• High protein from chicken supports muscle growth
• Energy-rich carbs from pasta
• Calcium boost from dairy ingredients
• Garlic benefits for immunity and heart health
• Corn adds fiber and natural sweetness

 Q&A

Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: Yes, use milk + a little flour or cream cheese as a substitute.

Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Absolutely! It works great and saves time.

Q: How long can I store it?
A: Up to 2–3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Yes, add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.

Q: Is it good cold?
A: Yes! It turns into a delicious creamy pasta salad when chilled.