Description

Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists is a bold, weeknight-friendly dinner featuring sweet heat chicken, creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta, and oven-crisp broccoli. Keywords: hot honey chicken, Cajun Alfredo, chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, broccoli sides.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bites

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup hot honey

12 oz rotini pasta

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

12 oz broccoli florets

1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (for broccoli)

1/2 tsp kosher salt (for broccoli)

1/4 tsp black pepper (for broccoli)

1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Season chicken: Pat chicken dry, then toss with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning.

2. Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high; cook chicken 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl.

3. Make hot honey garlic glaze: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; cook 30 seconds. Stir in hot honey and simmer 1 minute. Return chicken to skillet and toss until glossy. Keep warm.

4. Boil pasta: Cook rotini in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain.

5. Build Cajun Alfredo: In a clean saucepan, add heavy cream, remaining 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan. Simmer on medium-low, whisking until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Thin with reserved pasta water to a silky, clingy consistency.

6. Roast broccoli: Toss broccoli with 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Roast at 425 F for 14 to 18 minutes until edges are crisp.

7. Finish and serve: Toss pasta with Cajun Alfredo and a squeeze of lemon juice if using. Plate pasta, top with hot honey garlic chicken bites, garnish with parsley, and serve with crispy broccoli on the side.

Notes

Warm the hot honey briefly if it is thick so it coats the chicken evenly.

Salt your pasta water generously; it is the base seasoning for the Alfredo.

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or use a spicier Cajun blend.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop + Oven
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 780
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 920 mg
Fat: 36 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 68 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 46 g
Cholesterol: 160 mg