Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

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If you’re craving a comfort dish that delivers bold flavor with every bite, this Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta will absolutely hit the spot. It’s a mashup of two cozy favorites: creamy Alfredo pasta and the kick of Cajun-seasoned chicken bites, finished with spinach and artichoke for a decadent yet balanced twist.

The sauce is lusciously rich, clinging to curly pasta in every forkful, while juicy, golden-seared chicken adds protein and punch. This dish feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Alfredo?

This dish works best with pasta shapes that can catch and hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce. Think cavatappi, rotini, penne, or rigatoni. Their curves and ridges are perfect for soaking up every bit of that luscious Cajun Alfredo.

You can absolutely use fettuccine or linguine for a more classic Alfredo vibe, but I love the texture of short pasta here—especially when it mingles with the spinach and artichoke bites.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

• Chicken Breast: Cubed and seasoned, these bites deliver juicy protein and pick up a beautiful crust when seared.
• Olive Oil + Butter: The combination is perfect for pan-searing chicken and building a flavorful sauce base.
• Garlic: Minced garlic elevates both the chicken and the sauce with its aromatic punch.
• Cajun Seasoning: Adds boldness and a bit of spice that makes the dish sing.
• Heavy Cream: This creates the rich, creamy base for the Alfredo sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Helps thicken the sauce and adds a tangy richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated for that classic Alfredo depth.
• Artichoke Hearts: Chopped and stirred into the sauce, they add texture and a savory tang.
• Fresh Spinach: Wilts perfectly into the cream sauce for a pop of green.
• Cavatappi Pasta: Holds sauce beautifully and adds a chewy, satisfying bite.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but great for an extra heat kick.

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How To Make the Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Bites

Season cubed chicken breast generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on all sides until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Alfredo Base

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Add Cheeses and Flavor

Whisk in cream cheese until melted, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Fold in Spinach and Artichokes

Add the chopped artichoke hearts and fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the mixture is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Toss cooked cavatappi pasta into the sauce, folding gently to coat. Add the seared chicken bites back into the skillet and stir to combine. Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Top with more Parmesan and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, spicy, comforting bite.

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How to Serve and Store Garlic Chicken Bites Alfredo

Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is hot and silky. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan on top adds a final flourish. It pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a light green salad to balance the richness.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can use a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Adjust heat to taste.

Can I make this with shrimp instead of chicken?

Absolutely. Sear the shrimp for just 2–3 minutes per side and add them at the end.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle kick thanks to the Cajun seasoning. For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes. To reduce heat, choose a mild Cajun blend.

Can I freeze this pasta?

The sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but it still tastes great. For best texture, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this creamy Cajun Alfredo, you might also enjoy these other crave-worthy pasta dishes from the blog:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• One Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta
• Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta

For even more dinner inspiration, check out my daily recipes on Pinterest at Life with Nina.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 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 go heavy on the Cajun spice? Try it with shrimp or add extra veggies?

I love seeing your versions and swaps. Your questions, tips, and photos make this community so fun—let’s keep sharing ideas!

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