Description
A bold and flavorful dish featuring tender garlic chili oil marinated chicken bites paired with creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta and vibrant charred zucchini twists. This quick and easy recipe balances spicy, creamy, and smoky notes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tbsp garlic chili oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Additional Cajun seasoning (to taste, about ½ tsp)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for veggies sauté)
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Cube the chicken breast and place it in a bowl. Toss with garlic chili oil, paprika, and Cajun seasoning to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for sauce consistency.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Char Vegetables: In the same skillet, optionally add about 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the sliced zucchini and bell pepper over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a charred exterior but remain crisp inside.
- Prepare Cajun Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and an additional ½ tsp Cajun seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Adjust thickness by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce.
- Plate and Serve: Arrange the Alfredo pasta on plates, top with the garlic chili chicken bites and charred vegetables. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 30 minutes) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use gluten-free pasta as a substitute if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on preferred spice level.
- For extra richness, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before serving.
- Vegetables can be swapped for your favorite char-friendly veggies like asparagus or mushrooms.