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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Hot Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Spinach Twists

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Hot Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Spinach Twists

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop / Air Fryer / Skillet
  • Cuisine: American with Cajun twist

Description

A bowl of cozy meets bold: crispy garlic parmesan chicken bites served with creamy Cajun Alfredo fusilli pasta and a dreamy, garlicky spinach twist. It’s comfort food with a spicy, savory kick that brings the wow factor every time.


Ingredients

Scale

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ cup grated parmesan

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 eggs

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

¾ cup freshly grated parmesan

4 cups fresh spinach

4 ounces cream cheese

½ teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons milk

8 ounces fusilli pasta

⅓ cup reserved pasta water (optional)


Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

2. In a small bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and grated parmesan.

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

4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high or preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Fry chicken pieces until golden and cooked through — about 3–4 minutes per side in a skillet or 10–12 minutes in the air fryer. Let drain on a paper towel.

5. In a pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Cajun seasoning. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

6. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens.

7. Cook fusilli in salted water according to package directions. Drain and reserve ⅓ cup pasta water.

8. Toss pasta in the Cajun Alfredo sauce, adding pasta water if needed to loosen.

9. In a separate skillet, melt cream cheese with milk. Stir until smooth, then add spinach and garlic powder. Cook until spinach wilts and mixture is creamy.

10. Plate with pasta, spinach, and crispy chicken bites. Garnish with extra parmesan and red pepper flakes.


Notes

To keep the chicken extra crispy, reheat in an air fryer or oven instead of the microwave.

Add a splash of pasta water or cream to refresh the Alfredo sauce when reheating.

Use fresh spinach for best texture, but thawed frozen spinach works if well-drained.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 780
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 860mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 23g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 190mg

Keywords: Chicken Bites, Cajun Alfredo, Garlic Parmesan