Description
Spicy, smoky, and creamy all in one plate—Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Charred Zucchini Twists is your next must-try dinner idea. Perfect for a quick dinner, high-protein meal prep, or easy recipe night, this dish balances fiery chili oil-marinated grilled chicken with a smooth Cajun Alfredo pasta and fresh, sautéed zucchini and peppers. Packed with bold flavors and colorful veggies, it’s one of the most satisfying food ideas for any day of the week.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons chili oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
8 oz rotini pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1 medium zucchini sliced
1/2 yellow bell pepper sliced
1/2 red bell pepper sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes optional
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken with chili oil, olive oil, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice for at least 30 minutes.
2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, reserve 1/2 cup water, drain and set aside.
3. Grill the marinated chicken on a cast iron grill or pan for 4–5 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked.
4. In a sauté pan, cook garlic in butter and olive oil. Add cream and Cajun seasoning. Simmer and stir in Parmesan cheese.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta, loosen with pasta water if needed, and season to taste.
6. In a separate pan, sauté zucchini and peppers on high heat with olive oil, salt, and chili flakes until slightly charred.
7. Plate the creamy pasta, grilled chicken bites, and vegetables together. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest Alfredo texture.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to preserve its juices.
Add extra vegetables or protein as desired—this dish is flexible and meal-prep friendly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled and Sautéed
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.25 cups chicken and pasta with vegetables
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: quick dinner, spicy chicken, Cajun Alfredo, easy recipe, healthy dinner, food ideas