Description
Craving a bold and flavorful meal that blends comfort and spice? This Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Charred Zucchini Twists recipe hits the mark. Perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas, spicy chicken recipes, or creamy pasta dishes, this one-pot wonder checks every box. Juicy chili-marinated chicken bites are seared to perfection, paired with rotini smothered in creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce, and topped with fresh, lightly charred zucchini and bell peppers. Great for meal prep, date night, or when you’re in need of easy dinner inspiration.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons garlic chili oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon cumin
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
8 ounces rotini pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley chopped
1 medium zucchini sliced
1 yellow bell pepper sliced
1 small red bell pepper diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
0.25 teaspoon chili flakes optional
Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine chicken with garlic chili oil, paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain, reserving 0.5 cup of pasta water.
3. In a pan, heat butter and oil over medium. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds. Pour in cream and bring to a light simmer. Stir in Parmesan and Cajun seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper.
4. Add pasta to the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat, using reserved water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
6. In a sauté pan, heat oil over medium-high. Add zucchini and peppers. Season and char until slightly golden and tender, about 5–7 minutes.
7. Assemble: Plate the Alfredo pasta, top with chicken bites, and spoon over the charred veggies. Garnish with herbs and serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, creamy Alfredo finish.
Marinate the chicken longer for a deeper, more intense chili flavor.
Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing & Sautéing
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: easy dinner, garlic chili chicken, creamy Cajun Alfredo, spicy pasta, vegetable pasta bowl