Go Back
+ servings
Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Charred Zucchini Twists

Irresistible Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo

Discover the bold flavors of Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo, a delightful dinner dish that’s healthy and easily customizable.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinate Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts Swap with firm tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
  • 3 tablespoons chili oil Garlic-infused olive oil is a milder option.
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic is best for maximum aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Regular paprika works, but you'll miss the smokiness.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Can be omitted if you're out of it.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to your taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to your taste.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Lime juice is a good substitute.
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta Use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
  • 2 tablespoons butter Vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free route.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative can work.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast is a great vegan swap.
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Adjust according to your spice preference.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 medium zucchini Swap for bell peppers or snap peas if desired.
  • 1 each yellow bell pepper Any color can work well.
  • 1 each red bell pepper Any color can work well.
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes For extra heat; skip if you prefer milder.
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley or cilantro Feel free to use any fresh herb you love.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • grill pan
  • large pot
  • saucepan
  • frying pan

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine chili oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade. Add the boneless chicken thighs or breasts, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and infuse into the chicken.
  2. Fill a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing it to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  3. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot, about 5 minutes. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and place it on the grill, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, letting it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, creating a rich, creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce ready to coat the pasta.
  5. In a separate frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and bell peppers, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are slightly charred and tender.
  6. In the saucepan with the Alfredo sauce, add the cooked rotini pasta and toss it gently to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. Plate the creamy pasta, top it with the grilled chicken slices, and arrange the sautéed vegetables alongside. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor. Adjust thickness of the Alfredo sauce with reserved pasta water if necessary. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!