Description
Craving a bold and creamy pasta dish with a twist? This Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta is the perfect fusion of comfort food and zesty flavor. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken bites, creamy Alfredo sauce, and the irresistible combo of spinach and artichokes make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes to impress guests, or weeknight dinner solutions, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to pull together — a must-try for fans of flavorful pasta and cozy meals!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
12 oz cavatappi or penne pasta
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Cajun seasoning, half of the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate while prepping other ingredients.
2. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add butter and a splash of olive oil. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
4. In the same pan, sauté remaining garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir in cream cheese until melted.
5. Stir in Parmesan and let the sauce thicken. Adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
6. Fold in spinach and artichokes until spinach wilts and artichokes are heated through.
7. Return cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until fully combined and heated.
8. Garnish with parsley and chili flakes if using. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Reserve pasta water — it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture.
Taste and layer seasonings at each stage for best flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg