Description

Craving something bold and satisfying for dinner? These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Hot Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Spinach Twists bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your table. Juicy, golden chicken bites coated in garlicky parmesan crumbs, served over creamy, spicy Cajun Alfredo with tender pasta and wilted spinach — this dish is packed with comfort and flair. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, a quick weeknight meal, or a flavor-loaded comfort food recipe, this one checks all the boxes. It’s a must-try for fans of bold flavor, easy recipes, and spicy creamy sauces.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 egg, beaten

2 tbsp olive oil

8 oz rotini pasta

3 tbsp butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated parmesan (for sauce)

3 cups fresh spinach

Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.

2. Mix panko, ½ cup grated parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

3. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

5. Cook chicken bites in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.

6. Boil rotini in salted water until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

7. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

8. Stir in Cajun seasoning, then add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

9. Stir in ½ cup grated parmesan until melted and smooth.

10. Add spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).

11. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding pasta water as needed to loosen.

12. Plate the pasta and spinach, top with crispy chicken bites, and garnish with chili flakes.

Notes

Always pat chicken dry before breading for maximum crisp.

Use freshly grated parmesan for a creamier sauce texture.

To make this less spicy, reduce Cajun seasoning and skip chili flakes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet & Stovetop
Cuisine: American fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 690
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, spicy alfredo, chicken bites, garlic parmesan, quick meals