Sally Winter
This dish brings together the bold heat of hot honey garlic chicken bites with the creamy, spicy richness of Cajun Alfredo pasta. Each bite is packed with flavor—juicy golden chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce that dances between heat and honey, paired with tender rotini tossed in a velvety Alfredo sauce and crispy broccoli florets for texture and balance.
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or meal prepping with flair, this combination satisfies all cravings: comfort, spice, and a bit of indulgence. The broccoli adds a pop of color and crunch, making the whole plate feel fresh and complete.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo
If you’re a fan of spicy-sweet pairings and creamy pasta dishes, this one will hit all the right notes. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that’s simple enough to pull off at home. From the golden sear on the chicken bites to the bold Cajun kick in the Alfredo, every component brings excitement to your dinner table.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies and turn pasta night into something unforgettable. You’ll also love how the leftovers taste just as good the next day—if there are any left!
What Kind of Chicken and Pasta Should I Use?
For the chicken bites, boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. They cook quickly and soak up that hot honey garlic glaze like a dream.
As for the pasta, rotini is ideal because its spirals trap the creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce beautifully. You can substitute penne or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand, just aim for a shape that holds sauce well. And don’t skip the broccoli—it adds the perfect balance of crispness and color!
Ingredients for the Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo
Every ingredient in this dish plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Lean and juicy, these make the perfect canvas for the hot honey garlic glaze.
- Salt & Pepper – The foundation of seasoning for the chicken.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Adds depth and umami to the chicken bites.
- Cornstarch – Helps the chicken get crispy on the outside.
- Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Fresh Garlic – Intensifies the garlic flavor in the sauce.
- Honey – Brings a mellow sweetness that balances the heat.
- Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce – Provides the spicy kick in the glaze.
- Rotini Pasta – Twirls of pasta that catch all the creamy Cajun Alfredo goodness.
- Heavy Cream – The base of the Alfredo, making it rich and smooth.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Cajun Seasoning – Brings warmth and complexity to the Alfredo.
- Broccoli Florets – Roasted until crisp, these add crunch and contrast.
How To Make the Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss them in cornstarch to coat evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in honey and chili flakes or hot sauce. Let it simmer briefly, then return the chicken to the pan and coat in the glaze.
Step 4: Roast the Broccoli
Toss broccoli florets with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a hot oven until crispy and browned.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Boil rotini until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
Step 6: Make the Cajun Alfredo
In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of pasta water to adjust consistency.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Toss the pasta in the Alfredo sauce. Plate with hot honey garlic chicken on top and roasted broccoli on the side.
Serving and Storing Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo
This hearty meal serves 4 to 5 people generously, making it a perfect family dinner or an impressive date night dish. Serve it hot right after everything comes together for the best texture—the crispy broccoli, creamy pasta, and sticky glazed chicken are best enjoyed fresh.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta and chicken in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the Alfredo sauce, and re-crisp the broccoli under the broiler for a minute or two.
What to Serve With Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo?
Garlic Bread
Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is the ultimate companion to creamy pasta and spicy chicken.
Side Salad
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
Roasted Corn
Sweet roasted corn brings a smoky and juicy contrast that complements the spicy glaze.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled red onions or cucumbers add tang and crunch to cut through the creamy and sweet-spicy elements.
Sparkling Water or Lemonade
A refreshing, slightly acidic drink pairs well with both the heat of the chicken and the richness of the Alfredo.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
They add a sweet, earthy component and are great for dipping in extra sauce.
Sauteed Greens
Garlicky spinach or kale provides extra nutrients and an earthy balance to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish less spicy?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce in the glaze to your preference. You can even omit them entirely if you want a milder version.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just skip the cooking step and toss the shredded or chopped chicken in the hot honey garlic sauce. It won’t be as crispy, but it will still be delicious.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the chicken, sauce, and pasta separately and store them in the fridge. Reheat and combine when ready to serve. The broccoli is best roasted fresh, but you can prep it ahead and roast just before serving.
4. What type of Cajun seasoning should I use?
Any store-bought blend works, but check for salt content. If it’s heavily salted, reduce added salt in the Alfredo sauce. You can also make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper.
5. Can I substitute the pasta for a low-carb option?
Definitely. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash make excellent low-carb alternatives. Just keep in mind they won’t hold the sauce as thickly as traditional pasta.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a different type of pasta? Add extra heat? Mix in other veggies?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists is the kind of recipe that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. It’s bold, comforting, and just a bit fancy—a true weeknight winner. Whether you’re a fan of heat, creaminess, or all things garlic, this meal delivers on every front.
Give it a try, and you might just find yourself putting it on regular dinner rotation. It’s that good.
Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Bites & Cajun Alfredo with Crispy Broccoli Twists
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Sheet
- Saucepan
- Pasta Pot
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or 1 tbsp hot sauce adjust to taste
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil for broccoli
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss in cornstarch.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet, sauté briefly. Stir in honey and chili flakes or hot sauce. Simmer, then add chicken back and coat in sauce.
- Roast broccoli: toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes or until crispy.
- Boil pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
- For the Alfredo: heat cream in a saucepan, stir in Parmesan and Cajun seasoning until smooth. Add pasta water to thin if needed.
- Combine pasta with Alfredo sauce. Serve with glazed chicken on top and broccoli on the side.
Notes
2. For extra crispy chicken, cook in batches and avoid overcrowding the skillet.