Description
Bold, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Hot Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Spinach Twists recipe is a must-try for fans of rich, satisfying meals. Crispy, golden garlic parmesan chicken sits on a bed of spicy Cajun Alfredo-coated pasta, with creamy garlic spinach adding a smooth, savory twist. It’s a go-to easy dinner, a creative pick for dinner ideas, and a flavor bomb for anyone searching for food ideas that feel gourmet but are surprisingly doable. Whether you’re after a quick comfort meal, a weeknight crowd-pleaser, or a restaurant-style easy recipe, this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
4 cups fresh spinach
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into chunks, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Set up breading station: one bowl of beaten eggs, one bowl of panko mixed with parmesan.
3. Dip chicken in egg, coat in breadcrumb mixture, and set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Alternatively, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes.
5. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain, reserving a little pasta water.
6. In a saucepan, melt butter, add garlic, then stir in cream and Cajun seasoning. Simmer 5 minutes.
7. Add parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.
8. In a separate pan, melt a little butter and sauté garlic. Add spinach and cook until wilted, then stir in a splash of cream and a pinch of salt.
9. Toss pasta with Alfredo sauce.
10. Plate with spinach and top with garlic parmesan chicken bites. Garnish with herbs.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
Don’t boil the Alfredo sauce—simmer gently to avoid splitting the cream.
For best texture, serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken bites, Cajun Alfredo, food ideas, quick dinner, spicy pasta, comfort food, garlic chicken