Description
Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites paired with Roasted Red Pepper Cajun Alfredo Twists is a flavorful and creamy pasta dish combining tender lemon pepper-seasoned chicken with a rich Alfredo sauce infused with roasted red peppers and Cajun spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick yet indulgent weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional for sauce consistency)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with lemon pepper seasoning and a pinch of salt, ensuring even coating for full flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later use to adjust sauce consistency.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Cajun Alfredo Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Cajun seasoning into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer on medium heat until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Roasted Red Peppers and Cheese: Add chopped roasted red peppers and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained rotini pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time if you need to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Reintroduce the Chicken: Return the cooked lemon pepper chicken bites to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine and heat through thoroughly on medium heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve the dish hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your taste.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken pieces to keep them tender and juicy.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial for adjusting the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a fresh contrast but are optional.
