Description

Meet your new weeknight showstopper: zesty lemon pepper chicken bites piled over spiraled pasta tossed in a roasted red pepper Cajun Alfredo. It’s bright, creamy, and a little spicy—everything you want in a comforting, quick dinner. Crispy chicken brings crunch, Alfredo adds silky richness, and roasted peppers balance heat with sweetness. This easy recipe doubles as family-friendly dinner ideas, a cozy easy recipe for guests, or a bold upgrade to your go-to food ideas for easy dinner nights.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest

1.25 tsp kosher salt

1.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cornstarch

3 tbsp neutral oil, for frying

10 oz rotini or fusilli pasta

2 tbsp unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped (drained)

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp kosher salt, to taste

1/2 tsp black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup reserved pasta water, as needed

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken by tossing with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder; rest 10 minutes

2. Dredge chicken in a light coat of flour and cornstarch; shake off excess

3. Fry bites in 3 tbsp oil over medium-high until golden and 165°F; drain on paper towels

4. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain

5. Melt butter; sauté garlic 30 seconds. Stir in roasted red peppers and Cajun seasoning

6. Add cream; simmer 2–3 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth; season to taste

7. Toss pasta in sauce; loosen with reserved pasta water for a silky finish

8. Plate pasta, top with chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges

Notes

For extra crispiness, rest dredged chicken on a rack 5–10 minutes before frying

Adjust heat to taste—add a pinch more Cajun seasoning at the end if desired

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 25
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop, Skillet
Cuisine: American, Cajun-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 recipe)
Calories: 810
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 980
Fat: 42
Saturated Fat: 20
Unsaturated Fat: 18
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 63
Fiber: 3
Protein: 39
Cholesterol: 170

Keywords: quick dinner, easy pasta, lemon pepper chicken, cajun alfredo, family meal, weeknight recipe, food ideas, dinner ideas