Description
Looking for a bold and comforting weeknight dinner that tastes like something out of a cozy bistro? These **Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites & Roasted Red Pepper Cajun Alfredo Twists** combine citrusy seared chicken bites with a creamy, smoky Alfredo sauce spiked with roasted red peppers and Cajun heat—all tossed with spiral pasta for maximum flavor. Whether you’re after **easy dinner ideas**, a **quick meal prep recipe**, or just a cozy **food idea** that feels special without the effort, this one checks every box. It’s the perfect balance of zesty, creamy, and spicy.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breast
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter (plus more if needed)
10 ounces rotini pasta
1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and season with lemon pepper and a pinch of salt.
3. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, lower the heat and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped roasted red peppers and cook for another minute.
5. Transfer the garlic and roasted red peppers to a blender. Add heavy cream and Cajun seasoning. Blend until smooth.
6. Return the sauce to the skillet. Add Parmesan and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Toss in cooked pasta and mix to coat evenly. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Add chicken back to the skillet and gently toss everything together.
9. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Let the cream sit at room temperature before using to prevent curdling when blending.
For extra creaminess, use a bit more Parmesan or an extra splash of heavy cream.
Don’t skip the blender step—the smooth sauce makes this dish restaurant-quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: lemon pepper chicken, Cajun Alfredo, easy dinner, pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta