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Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American-Cajun Fusion

Description

This Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta brings bold flavor and indulgent comfort to the table. Crispy garlic-seasoned chicken bites top a bed of creamy Cajun Alfredo pasta swirled with tender spinach and artichoke hearts. It’s a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s both elegant and approachable—perfect for busy nights or special gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bites

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

8 oz fettuccine or linguine

Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, and minced garlic.

2. Coat each piece in panko breadcrumbs.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry chicken bites until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

5. In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic, spinach, and chopped artichokes until the spinach wilts.

6. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Let sauce thicken.

7. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

8. Top with crispy garlic chicken bites and garnish with extra Parmesan or Cajun seasoning.


Notes

For extra crunch, double-bread the chicken by dipping in egg before panko.

Don’t overheat the cream—simmer gently to avoid curdling.

Add extra Cajun seasoning if you love a spicier kick.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 710
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 940mg
  • Fat: 41g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 43g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: Creamy Cajun pasta, garlic chicken bites, Alfredo pasta