Description
Looking for a bold and satisfying dinner idea that combines heat, sweetness, and creamy comfort? This Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists is your answer. Juicy chicken is glazed in a sticky hot honey garlic sauce, nestled on a bed of creamy Cajun Alfredo rotini, and served with crispy roasted broccoli for the perfect finish. It’s one of those easy recipes that tastes restaurant-quality, making it ideal for weeknight meals, dinner parties, or meal prep. This quick dinner idea offers the perfect mix of protein, veggies, and flavor all in one dish. If you’re craving comfort food with a kick, this is the dish to try next.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper
3 tbsp honey
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp hot sauce
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
8 oz rotini pasta
1 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
0.25 tsp garlic powder
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper
1.5 cups broccoli florets chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
0.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 pinch sea salt
2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil (optional garnish)
2 tsp lemon zest or juice (optional garnish)
2 tbsp extra Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss broccoli with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Roast for 18–20 minutes until crispy.
3. Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, sear chicken over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
5. Lower heat to medium. Add garlic to skillet with a touch of oil, then add honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, and paprika. Simmer 1–2 minutes. Return chicken to the pan and coat in glaze.
6. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
8. Toss cooked pasta with Alfredo sauce. Plate with glazed chicken and crispy broccoli. Garnish with herbs, lemon zest, and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother Alfredo sauce—it melts better than pre-shredded versions.
Roast broccoli at high heat to ensure crispy edges without overcooking the center.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce while tossing everything together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Oven
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1¼ cups
- Calories: 615
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: hot honey chicken, Cajun Alfredo, spicy creamy pasta, chicken bites recipe, easy dinner idea, broccoli twists, comfort food, pasta dinner