Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

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If you’re craving something indulgent, bold, and loaded with flavor, this Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta is your next dinner obsession. It combines juicy, golden-seared garlic chicken bites with a velvety Cajun Alfredo sauce that’s rich with the flavors of spinach and artichoke. Every bite is creamy, spicy, and hearty in all the best ways.

This dish brings together comfort and elegance in one skillet. The chicken is seared to lock in flavor, while the sauce delivers a luscious, cheesy coating that clings to each piece of pasta. The spinach adds freshness and color, and the artichokes give that irresistible tang and texture. It’s a full meal in one bowl and perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

You get the best of both worlds: tender, savory garlic chicken and a deeply flavorful Alfredo pasta that kicks things up with Cajun spice. The ingredients are approachable, and the dish feels gourmet without being fussy. Plus, it all comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.

The sauce is thick and creamy without being heavy, and every component complements the next. This is the kind of pasta dish that leaves you lingering over the bowl and maybe even going back for seconds.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While you can use just about any pasta you have on hand, something that holds onto sauce well is ideal. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine work wonderfully for this recipe. Their grooves and surface area soak up all the creamy, spiced Alfredo perfectly. If you want to go lighter, you can try it with zucchini noodles or even spaghetti squash, but we highly recommend a sturdy pasta to carry the richness of the sauce and the bite of the chicken.

Ingredients for the Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

This dish is all about layering flavor, so the ingredients you choose play a big role. From juicy chicken bites to bold Cajun seasoning and creamy Alfredo base, each element brings something special. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken breast
  • Garlic cloves
  • Olive oil
  • Butter
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • Pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • Fresh spinach
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Chicken broth

The chicken breast is the star of the show, seared to perfection. Garlic cloves add deep aroma and flavor, while olive oil and butter build a rich base. The Cajun seasoning infuses heat and personality, balanced with a touch of salt and pepper. Pasta acts as the perfect vehicle for the sauce. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, while artichoke hearts lend a slightly tangy contrast. The trio of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese gives the sauce its velvety texture, while mozzarella cheese adds that satisfying melt. Red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick, and chicken broth ties it all together with savory depth.

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How To Make the Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Garlic Chicken Bites

Season the cubed chicken breast generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a hot skillet, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides. Add butter and minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cajun Alfredo Base

In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, then toss in artichoke hearts and spinach. Let them cook down slightly. Stir in the cream cheese until melted, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Sprinkle in more Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, then stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce is coming together, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Reserve a bit of pasta water, then drain.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

This creamy Cajun pasta is a full meal on its own, making it the perfect one-pot dinner. When serving, plate it straight from the skillet into a warm bowl to keep everything hot and saucy. A finishing touch of grated Parmesan or chopped parsley gives a fresh pop. It feeds 4 to 6 people generously, depending on how hungry everyone is—though leftovers are unlikely with a dish this flavorful.

If you do have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. It reheats well on the stovetop or in the microwave, though the stovetop helps maintain the texture best.

What to Serve With Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta?

Garlic Bread with Herb Butter

A crusty loaf spread with garlic herb butter is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that Alfredo sauce.

Simple Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy Caesar dressing, and a shower of Parmesan offer a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Tender spears of asparagus roasted with a bit of lemon and olive oil complement the rich flavors without overpowering them.

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

Crispy, cheesy zucchini slices are a great low-carb side and keep things light on the plate.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet grilled corn brushed with a touch of Cajun butter keeps the flavor theme going while adding summery sweetness.

Lemon Butter Green Beans

Bright and buttery green beans bring balance and color to your pasta night.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Fresh, juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumber with a little vinaigrette can be a refreshing palate cleanser alongside the heat of the Cajun spices.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Roasted until golden and crispy, Brussels sprouts provide a slightly bitter, caramelized flavor that stands up well next to the creamy sauce.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta stole your heart, here are a few more pasta creations you’ll want to dive into next:

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And if you end up making it, come back and let us know how it turned out. Did you make it extra spicy? Add shrimp or mushrooms? Maybe even double the cheese? I love hearing your twists and takes.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, weeknight meals, and more on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next go-to favorite.

Conclusion

Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta is everything we crave in a dinner: creamy, spicy, hearty, and full of personality. It brings the kind of flavor that satisfies deeply and leaves you dreaming about the next bowl before you finish the one in front of you.

Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for friends, or just treating yourself, this pasta deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. It’s comfort food with flair—and plenty of garlic.

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Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Description

This Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta is a bold and comforting dinner recipe featuring spicy seared chicken, creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce, spinach, and artichoke hearts over pasta. A perfect weeknight pasta recipe packed with flavor and texture.


Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cubed

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

2 tsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)

3 cups fresh spinach

1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped

4 oz cream cheese

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 cup chicken broth


Instructions

1. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown.

2. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Sauté artichoke hearts and spinach until wilted.

4. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well.

5. Sprinkle in more Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Stir until smooth and creamy.

6. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.

7. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss gently to combine.

8. Add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

9. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest texture.

Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps the sauce cling.

Taste before serving and adjust spice level as desired.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

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