Description
A flavorful and comforting meal featuring spicy hot honey garlic chicken bites paired with creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta and crispy roasted broccoli twists. This dish combines tender, seared chicken glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce, rich Alfredo pasta seasoned with Cajun spices, and perfectly roasted broccoli for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp hot honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cajun Alfredo Pasta
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Roasted Broccoli Twists
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast Broccoli: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until crispy and slightly charred, then set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sear Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make Hot Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in soy sauce and hot honey, and simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss well to coat it in the sauce.
- Prepare Cajun Alfredo Sauce: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream and Cajun seasoning, bringing it to a simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked rotini to the Alfredo sauce, stirring to combine. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta, top with the hot honey garlic chicken bites, and serve alongside the crispy roasted broccoli. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can result in juicier and more flavorful bites.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey according to your preferred spice level.
- Reserved pasta water helps to achieve a smooth and silky Alfredo sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley enhance the dish’s brightness and appearance.
