Description
This Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Charred Zucchini Twists recipe brings together bold spices, creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta, and perfectly seared chicken for a colorful, flavor-packed dinner. A satisfying weeknight favorite featuring garlic, chili oil, Parmesan, rotini, and sautéed vegetables. Ideal for meal prep and quick comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, diced
2 tablespoons garlic chili oil
1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
8 oz rotini pasta
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 large bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil (for vegetables)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine diced chicken with garlic chili oil, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 20 minutes.
2. Heat a skillet with olive oil. Sear the chicken on medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Boil rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add more olive oil and char sliced zucchini and bell peppers until lightly blackened but still crisp. Set aside.
5. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat. Stir in Cajun seasoning and Parmesan until the sauce is smooth.
6. Toss the cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce until fully coated.
7. Plate the pasta with the garlic chili chicken and charred veggies. Garnish with parsley or more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the Alfredo sauce.
Zucchini and bell peppers can be roasted in the oven if you prefer hands-off cooking.
Reserve a bit of pasta water to loosen up the Alfredo sauce when reheating leftovers.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing & Boiling
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg