Description

Craving a bold and creamy comfort dish that’s packed with texture and flavor? This Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta is the perfect easy dinner recipe. Crispy garlic chicken sits atop silky Cajun Alfredo pasta filled with wilted spinach and tangy marinated artichokes. It’s one of the best food ideas for quick dinners, cozy date nights, or even indulgent lunch leftovers. From bold Cajun seasoning to velvety Parmesan cream, every bite is bursting with flavor. If you’re searching for satisfying dinner ideas or a creamy pasta with a twist, this one’s a must-try.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

10 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

1 cup heavy cream

3 oz cream cheese

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (or to taste)

3 cups baby spinach

1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning. Dredge in panko breadcrumbs.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken bites in batches, 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

6. Add Cajun seasoning and grated Parmesan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

7. Stir in spinach and artichoke hearts. Cook until spinach is wilted.

8. Add pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Simmer another minute.

9. Plate the pasta and top with crispy garlic chicken bites and more Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest Alfredo sauce — pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as well.

Don’t skip the pasta water; it helps bring the sauce together and makes it ultra silky.

For the crispiest chicken, cook in a single layer and avoid flipping too soon — let it sear properly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 680
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 940mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, garlic chicken, Cajun Alfredo, easy dinner, food ideas