Description

Looking for a bold and exciting dish that hits every flavor note? This Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Charred Zucchini Twists recipe brings together spicy marinated chicken, creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta, and smoky roasted vegetables in one beautifully balanced plate. It’s a quick dinner option, a crowd-pleasing favorite, and an easy recipe packed with satisfying textures and flavor. Whether you’re into dinner ideas that feel indulgent or want a hearty yet healthy snack-style meal prep, this dish delivers it all. Great for busy nights, flavorful food ideas, or when you’re just craving something different.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

2 tablespoons garlic chili oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 zucchinis, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

8 ounces rotini pasta

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.

2. Add garlic chili oil, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and olive oil. Toss to coat. Let marinate for 20–30 minutes.

3. While the chicken marinates, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

4. Toss zucchini and bell pepper slices with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

5. Roast the vegetables for 15–18 minutes, or until slightly charred and tender.

6. Boil the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

7. In a skillet, sear the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until fully cooked and slightly charred.

8. In another pan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat. Stir in Cajun seasoning and garlic powder.

9. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened slightly.

10. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.

11. Plate the Cajun Alfredo pasta, then top with chicken bites and roasted veggies.

12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Letting the chicken rest after cooking locks in the juices and keeps it from drying out.

Don’t skip the roasted veggies—they add essential brightness and contrast to the dish.

If the Alfredo sauce thickens too much, stir in pasta water or a splash of milk to revive it.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 610
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 37g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: easy dinner, chicken pasta, spicy Alfredo, garlic chili chicken, healthy dinner idea