Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Charred Zucchini Twists

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Craving something that hits the sweet spot between bold flavor and comfort food? Imagine the sizzle of spicy garlic chili oil coating juicy chicken bites, paired with creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta and a visually stunning side of charred zucchini twists. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet but is completely doable on a weeknight.

This plate is for flavor chasers. The garlic chili oil brings heat and richness to the chicken, while the Cajun Alfredo offers a creamy, spiced contrast that clings to rotini pasta. And then, the zucchini twists? They don’t just look fancy—they soak up seasoning and get perfectly tender and charred in the oven. It’s a dish that looks vibrant, tastes indulgent, and comes together with just a few strategic tools.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the magic of this dish, get your tools lined up for a seamless cooking flow:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan — Vital for achieving a deep, flavorful sear on the chicken bites. The even heat retention also helps the garlic chili oil infuse properly.

Mandoline or Sharp Knife — Precision is key when slicing zucchini and carrots thinly for the twist. Uniform slices help the vegetables cook evenly and crisp at the edges.

Oven-safe Baking Dish or Sheet Pan — To roast the zucchini twists. High heat transforms them into golden, charred spirals with intensified flavor.

Saucepan & Whisk — For making the creamy Cajun Alfredo from scratch. The whisk ensures a smooth, emulsified sauce.

Mixing Bowls & Tongs — Handy for marinating the chicken, tossing pasta, and coating vegetables in oil and seasoning.

Having these essentials prepped makes it easier to multitask and keep every element of the dish hot and delicious when served.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Charred Zucchini Twists

Chicken Breast or Thighs — The star protein. Opt for boneless pieces for quick cooking and better absorption of the garlic chili oil.

Garlic Chili Oil — A flavor bomb that gives the chicken bites a spicy, aromatic kick. You can use store-bought or make your own.

Zucchini & Carrots — Essential for the twists. Their natural sweetness and structure hold up well when roasted, adding texture and color.

Rotini Pasta — The spiraled shape grabs onto the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce, ensuring flavor in every bite.

Heavy Cream — Forms the base of the Alfredo sauce, making it rich and velvety.

Parmesan Cheese — Adds depth, saltiness, and the signature Alfredo tang.

Cajun Seasoning — A bold blend of spices that punches up the Alfredo sauce with just the right amount of heat and complexity.

Olive Oil — Used for roasting the veggies and tossing the pasta. Adds moisture and brings all the flavors together.

Salt & Pepper — The baseline seasoning to balance and enhance all ingredients.

Fresh Herbs (like parsley or basil) — A garnish that lifts the final dish with color and brightness.

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How To Make the Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Charred Zucchini Twists

Step 1: Marinate and Sear the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces in garlic chili oil, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes. Heat your skillet until hot, then sear the chicken on medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 2: Prep and Roast the Zucchini Twists

Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice zucchini and carrots. Stack and alternate slices to form twist patterns. Place on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, season, and roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until charred at the edges.

Step 3: Boil Pasta and Start the Sauce

Cook rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and Cajun seasoning over medium heat. Let it simmer gently.

Step 4: Combine and Finish the Alfredo

Add parmesan cheese to the Cajun cream base and whisk until smooth. Toss in drained pasta, stir to coat fully, and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Plate the Dish

Serve a generous scoop of Cajun Alfredo, top with garlic chili chicken bites, and place zucchini twists alongside. Garnish with fresh herbs and a touch of extra chili oil if desired.

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Serving and Storing Garlic Chili Oil Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Charred Zucchini Twists

Serve this dish immediately while the Alfredo is creamy and the chicken bites are crisp around the edges. Use a large plate or bowl to show off the contrasting textures and colors. The zucchini twists make a perfect side or can even be arranged as a decorative border.

To store leftovers, keep each component separate in airtight containers. The pasta and sauce will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge, though the zucchini is best enjoyed fresh to retain its texture. Reheat pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, and crisp up the chicken in a pan or air fryer for best results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of garlic chili oil?

You can substitute with olive oil mixed with minced garlic and red pepper flakes. It won’t be as deep in flavor but still adds a nice kick.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and Alfredo sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine when ready to serve. The zucchini twists are best roasted fresh.

Is this recipe spicy?

Mildly spicy! The garlic chili oil and Cajun seasoning bring heat, but it’s balanced by the creamy Alfredo. Adjust to your spice tolerance.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work. Just make sure it’s something that holds sauce well.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth in the sauce base if desired. Keep the rest of the process the same.

Can I air fry the zucchini twists?

Yes! Just stack them neatly in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes until charred and tender.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If bold, creamy, and spicy is your flavor zone, you’ll love these other chicken pasta creations.

Try the Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli, which brings a smoky veggie twist to the creamy classic. For a cheesy, comforting bake, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe layers heat and richness in every bite.

Craving something with extra crunch? The Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites offer the same fiery-sweet balance, perfect for mixing into pasta bowls.

Also check out the hearty Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta or take a flavor detour with the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni if you’re into savory-meaty twists.

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And if you make this, I’d love to hear your take. Did you char the zucchini extra crispy? Did you go wild with the Cajun spice? Drop a comment below or tag me!

For daily dinner inspiration and more flavor-packed recipes, follow me over on Pinterest @LadyPlate. Let’s get cooking!

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