Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta
This Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta is a mouthwatering dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Imagine tender bites of garlic-infused chicken nestled on a bed of silky Cajun Alfredo, enriched with spinach and artichokes for that perfect savory twist. It’s hearty, it’s creamy, and it packs a bold flavor kick that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This dish brings restaurant-level comfort straight to your kitchen table. It strikes a perfect balance between bold Cajun spices and creamy, cheesy indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for date night or craving something extra cozy for a weeknight dinner, this pasta is sure to impress without a ton of effort.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta
You’ll fall for this dish because it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something unforgettable. The chicken bites are golden and garlicky with the perfect sear, while the pasta sauce is rich with Parmesan and cream, elevated by the smoky Cajun seasoning. Spinach and artichokes add freshness and depth, making each bite feel vibrant and full-bodied.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Creamy Alfredo?
Fettuccine, penne, and rigatoni all work beautifully here. You want a pasta shape that holds onto the creamy sauce and catches bits of artichoke and chicken. If you’re into a lower-carb version, try using zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta. Just make sure your pasta is al dente so it soaks up the sauce without going mushy.
Ingredients for the Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta
This dish is built from bold, savory components that work together like a dream. Each ingredient brings a distinct character to the final result, and they’re all easy to find at your local grocery store.
- Chicken breast: The star of the show, cubed and seared to golden perfection.
- Garlic: Adds depth and warmth to the chicken and sauce.
- Olive oil: Helps get that nice sear on the chicken.
- Butter: Adds richness to the Alfredo base.
- Heavy cream: The foundation for that luscious, creamy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, bringing salty, nutty flavor.
- Cream cheese: Makes the sauce extra creamy and tangy.
- Spinach: Adds a pop of color and earthy flavor.
- Artichoke hearts: Give a tangy bite that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
- Cajun seasoning: Provides smoky heat and depth.
- Pasta: Penne or fettuccine are great choices for catching the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To balance and enhance every flavor.
How To Make the Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Chicken Bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast cubes, season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic in the last minute to release its aroma. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Alfredo Base
In the same pan, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan and Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Finish the Sauce
Fold in chopped spinach and drained artichoke hearts. Let them wilt and blend into the sauce for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Stir everything together so the pasta is well coated. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
How to Serve and Store Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta
This pasta is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and warm. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for extra heat. This recipe generously feeds 4 people and can stretch to 6 if served with a side.
To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta?
Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread is always a win with creamy pasta. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that Cajun Alfredo sauce.
Caesar Salad
A refreshing Caesar salad with crisp romaine and a zesty dressing balances the richness of the dish beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables
Try oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli to add more color and nutrients to your plate.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Sweet and tangy Brussels sprouts bring a contrast that pairs wonderfully with the creamy pasta.
Caprese Salad
Light and fresh with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—this salad keeps the meal bright.
Fried Green Tomatoes
The crispy crunch of these Southern-style tomatoes offers an exciting texture next to the tender pasta.
Sausage and Spinach Frittata
If you’re going big, pair it with a protein-packed frittata for a cozy, brunch-style dinner combo.
A glass of chilled white wine
A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness and ties everything together.
Want More Pasta Ideas with a Southern Twist?
If you loved this Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta, check out these other comforting favorites:
- One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for that smoky spice in a simple skillet dinner.
- Creamy Chicken and Broccoli when you want that extra veggie boost.
- Cheesy Baked Ziti for an oven-baked classic with layers of love.
- Creamy Cajun Linguine when you’re craving another twist on creamy and spicy.
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine for bright, citrusy comfort.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can come back to it any time.
Tried it? Let us know how yours turned out in the comments! Did you use a different pasta shape or kick up the Cajun heat? Did you toss in mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask questions too—we’re all about making dinner easier, together.
Explore more flavorful comfort food and healthy dinner inspiration on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite meal.
Conclusion
Creamy, spicy, and loaded with flavor, this Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta is what comfort food dreams are made of. It’s rich enough for a special dinner but simple enough to enjoy any night of the week. You get all the textures—tender chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—in one dish that truly satisfies. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on repeat.
PrintGarlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
This Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta recipe is a bold, comforting, restaurant-style dish made with garlic-seared chicken, creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce, Cajun seasoning, and vibrant spinach and artichokes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s packed with flavor and easy to make.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup cream cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 ½ cups spinach, chopped
1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped and drained
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine), cooked al dente
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden.
2. Add garlic in the final minute of cooking and sauté until fragrant. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat and add butter. Once melted, pour in heavy cream.
4. Stir in cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Add Parmesan and Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Fold in spinach and artichokes. Cook until wilted and well combined.
6. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
7. Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the sauce. Stir until well combined.
8. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
This recipe feeds 4 to 6 people depending on portions.
You can substitute shrimp or sausage for the chicken for variation.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
