Description
Sticky hot honey garlic chicken bites, rich Cajun Alfredo rotini, and crispy roasted broccoli come together in this bold, satisfying dinner. This recipe brings the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy, making it a quick dinner idea that feels restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re meal-prepping or looking for easy dinner ideas to impress, this food combo hits all the right notes. It’s a flavorful, easy recipe that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for hosting friends.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic minced
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp hot sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
8 oz rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 small head broccoli chopped into florets
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil
Extra Parmesan
Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a lined baking sheet.
3. Roast broccoli for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway until crispy.
4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
7. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Stir in honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar.
8. Simmer glaze for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return chicken and toss to coat. Remove from heat.
9. In a clean saucepan, melt butter or heat oil. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
10. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
11. Whisk in Parmesan and Cajun seasoning. Stir until thickened.
12. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Use pasta water if needed for creaminess.
13. Plate Alfredo pasta, top with hot honey chicken, and add crispy broccoli.
14. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
15. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream in the Alfredo to prevent curdling.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to restore sauce creaminess.
Don’t overcrowd the chicken in the skillet—sear in batches for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: hot honey garlic chicken, cajun alfredo, easy dinner, spicy pasta, crispy broccoli, meal prep