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Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Charred Zucchini Twists


  • Author: Emily Carter
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Craving something bold, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy? These Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Charred Zucchini Twists are your answer to the ultimate weeknight indulgence. Juicy marinated chicken, creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta, and caramelized zucchini and peppers come together in one epic plate. This easy dinner idea checks all the boxes: it’s protein-packed, loaded with veggies, perfect for meal prep, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, a high-protein meal, or just something new to love, this dish is calling your name.


Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

2 tbsp garlic chili oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

0.5 tsp onion powder

0.5 tsp ground cumin

0.5 tsp dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

8 oz rotini pasta

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves minced

1 cup heavy cream

0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

salt to taste

0.25 cup reserved pasta water

fresh chopped parsley

1 zucchini sliced

1 yellow bell pepper sliced

1 red bell pepper diced

1 tbsp olive oil

0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

fresh chopped parsley


Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken with garlic chili oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until just shy of al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.

3. In a pan, heat butter and olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Cajun seasoning and Parmesan. Add pasta and toss well. Adjust with pasta water as needed.

4. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil and place marinated chicken in a single layer. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden. Remove and let rest.

5. In the same or a clean skillet, add olive oil. Sauté zucchini and peppers over high heat with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Cook until charred and tender, about 5–6 minutes.

6. Plate the Cajun Alfredo pasta, add chicken bites, and spoon over the charred veggies. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for best texture and moisture, especially during high-heat searing.

Let pasta rest in the Alfredo sauce for a minute or two before serving—it helps the sauce cling beautifully.

Char the veggies well! The smoky edges are key for balancing the creaminess of the pasta.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Searing, sautéing, boiling
  • Cuisine: Fusion (Cajun + Mediterranean)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 730mg
  • Fat: 33g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: easy dinner, garlic chili oil chicken, Cajun Alfredo, spicy chicken pasta, healthy dinner, quick meal, weeknight dinner, high protein meal