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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

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Golden, crispy, cheesy chicken bites paired with creamy hot Cajun Alfredo pasta and luscious garlic spinach. This comforting, flavor-packed dish delivers everything you want from a hearty dinner—a crunch that satisfies, a sauce with a little heat, and a creamy twist on your greens.

Perfect for weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe feels gourmet while being incredibly doable. It combines indulgent Southern flavors with Italian comfort food for a match made in flavor heaven. Each element sings on its own, but together? They create magic.


What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini is ideal here because its corkscrew shape catches all that luscious Cajun Alfredo sauce and holds onto bits of creamed spinach beautifully. However, you can swap it for penne, fusilli, or even shells if that’s what you have on hand.


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

Chicken Breast
You’ll want tender, boneless chicken breast pieces for a juicy interior that pairs perfectly with the crispy Parmesan coating.

Panko Breadcrumbs
Essential for that ultra-crunchy texture on the chicken bites.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds that irresistible salty, nutty layer of flavor to the breading and the Alfredo sauce.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
These pantry staples build a strong savory base in both the chicken and Alfredo components.

Cajun Seasoning
Kicks up the heat and gives the Alfredo its signature smoky, spicy edge.

Heavy Cream
This creates the luxurious, rich base for the Alfredo sauce.

Butter
Adds silkiness to the sauce and brings out the garlic and Cajun spice even more.

Fresh Spinach
Sautéed and mixed with cream and garlic, spinach becomes a perfect, comforting companion to pasta.

Rotini Pasta
The twisty texture holds the creamy sauce and spinach in every bite.

Olive Oil
For pan-frying the chicken to crispy perfection.

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How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Hot Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Spinach Twists

Step 1: Bread the Chicken Bites

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. In one bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dip each chicken piece into beaten egg, then coat generously in the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 2: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Boil rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Sauté the Spinach

In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté fresh spinach until wilted. Add a splash of cream, a pinch of garlic powder, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy.

Step 5: Make the Cajun Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in heavy cream. Add Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir over medium heat until thickened and velvety. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked rotini in the Cajun Alfredo sauce. Plate it alongside a scoop of the creamy garlic spinach and top with hot crispy chicken bites. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish.


Serving and Storing This Flavor-Packed Combo

Serve this dish piping hot right after assembling to enjoy the crunch of the chicken and the creaminess of the pasta at its best. If making ahead, store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer for crispiness, and warm the pasta and spinach in a pan with a splash of cream or water to loosen.


What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Hot Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Spinach Twists?

Fresh Garden Salad

A simple salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of this dish.

Roasted Garlic Bread

Perfect for sopping up the leftover Cajun Alfredo sauce.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

The tangy-sweet flavor cuts through the creamy Alfredo beautifully.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Start the meal off cozy and comforting with this creamy soup.

Pickled Red Onions

Add a vibrant, tangy crunch as a garnish on the pasta or chicken.

Cornbread Muffins

A little Southern flair that pairs well with Cajun spices.

Classic Coleslaw

The crisp and creamy slaw offers a refreshing contrast.

Grilled Zucchini or Asparagus

For something lighter and charred to add smoky depth.


Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re into bold, cheesy, and hearty meals like this one, don’t stop here! Try these flavorful favorites next:


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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up more? Add a different veggie twist?

I love seeing how others make these dishes their own. Feel free to share your take—or ask questions!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting and comfort food recipes on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new weeknight favorites!


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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


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  • Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

If bold comfort food is your love language, this recipe speaks volumes. With juicy garlic-Parmesan crusted chicken bites, rich Cajun Alfredo rotini, and garlicky creamy spinach, this dish is indulgent, comforting, and unforgettable. It’s a perfect balance of crunch, spice, and creamy texture. Ideal for weeknight dinners, hosting guests, or even meal prep. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, comfort food recipes, or pasta with a twist—this one hits all the marks. Add it to your quick dinner, crowd-pleasing favorites, and family-friendly food ideas list!


Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tbsp butter

2 cups fresh spinach

8 oz rotini pasta

2 tbsp olive oil

1 egg


Instructions

1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

2. Mix panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.

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

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet and fry chicken until golden and crispy.

5. Boil rotini in salted water; reserve 1/4 cup pasta water. Drain.

6. Sauté spinach in butter, add a splash of cream and Parmesan.

7. In another pan, melt butter and stir in cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Simmer to thicken.

8. Toss pasta with Alfredo sauce.

9. Plate pasta with spinach and top with chicken bites. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in egg and breadcrumbs twice.

Want it spicier? Add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne to the Alfredo sauce.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 670
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

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