Description

Crispy garlic-parmesan chicken bites smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato Cajun Alfredo sauce, served with charred broccolini — this is the kind of quick dinner recipe that feels like a restaurant treat. It’s bold, comforting, and comes together in just over 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight meals, food ideas for guests, or when you’re looking for easy dinner or low-carb meal prep ideas that don’t compromise on flavor.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

1 bunch broccolini

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.

2. In a bowl, toss chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

4. Toss broccolini with remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes until crisp-tender and lightly charred.

5. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and sauté 1 clove garlic for 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.

6. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, then add remaining Parmesan, Cajun seasoning to taste, and red pepper flakes.

7. Return chicken to skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside charred broccolini.

Notes

For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning and Parmesan mix for 30 minutes beforehand.

If substituting with shrimp, reduce cook time to 2–3 minutes per side.

Add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth if the Alfredo sauce gets too thick while reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet, Roasting
Cuisine: American, Cajun Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1¼ cups
Calories: 540
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 41g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: easy recipe, chicken alfredo, garlic parmesan chicken, quick dinner, food ideas, low-carb dinner