Craving a comforting pasta dish with bold flavor and serious creamy richness? This Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta might be exactly what your weeknight dinner rotation needs. Between crispy garlic chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety Cajun Alfredo sauce filled with spinach and artichokes, every bite delivers hearty satisfaction with a spicy twist.

This dish is a restaurant-style indulgence you can make right at home, and it’s surprisingly simple to pull off. The golden-browned garlic chicken brings crisp contrast to the luscious pasta, while the Cajun seasoning gives just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this one-pan dinner is bound to impress.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this pasta dish seamlessly, here’s what you’ll want on hand:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – You’ll be building layers of flavor in one pan, from browning chicken to finishing the sauce.
Medium Pot – For boiling your pasta to al dente. Choose a deep pot to allow for plenty of water and movement.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon – Helps with flipping the chicken bites evenly and transferring ingredients without splashing.
Whisk – Essential for making a smooth, lump-free Alfredo sauce.
Microplane or Cheese Grater – For grating fresh Parmesan cheese, which adds a creamy, salty finish.

These tools allow you to work quickly and effectively while ensuring each component—from the crispy chicken to the silky sauce—turns out just right.

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

Chicken Breast or Thighs – The star protein of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces and seasoned to golden perfection.
Olive Oil & Butter – Used for sautéing the chicken and building richness into the sauce.
Fresh Garlic – Adds a bold, aromatic base flavor that complements the Cajun spice.
Cajun Seasoning – Brings warmth and a subtle smoky spice to both chicken and sauce.
Pasta (Orecchiette or Penne) – A sturdy pasta that catches the sauce beautifully.
Cream Cheese & Heavy Cream – The combo responsible for the luscious, creamy Alfredo base.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds depth and nutty sharpness to balance the richness.
Spinach – Wilts into the sauce for a boost of greens and color.
Artichoke Hearts – Bring a slight tang and earthy contrast to the creamy sauce.
Salt & Black Pepper – Final seasoning to enhance all the layers of flavor.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Bites

Season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet, then add the chicken in a single layer. Cook until golden-brown and crispy on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a touch more butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Add cream cheese and stir until it begins to melt. Pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Add Spinach & Artichokes

Add fresh spinach and chopped artichoke hearts to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is well combined. Use pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Toss in the cooked pasta, then gently fold in the garlic chicken bites. Let it all come together over low heat for 2-3 minutes before serving hot with extra Parmesan on top.

Serving and Storing This Pasta Dish

Serve this pasta straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic presentation. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal. For added flair, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley works beautifully.

To store leftovers, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore its saucy texture. This dish also freezes well—just keep the chicken and pasta in separate containers for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It has a moderate Cajun kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, use a milder Cajun blend or reduce the amount.

Can I use frozen spinach or canned artichokes?

Yes! Thaw and squeeze out excess water from frozen spinach, and use water-packed artichokes for best flavor.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Orecchiette, penne, or rotini work great—they hold the sauce well and balance the chicken bites.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the components in advance, but assemble it fresh for best texture. Reheat gently to avoid separating the sauce.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You could substitute with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, but the texture will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?

Always whisk your cream and cheese in gradually over low heat and stir constantly to keep it silky smooth.

Want More Creamy Cajun Pasta Ideas?

If you’re loving the creamy Cajun vibes of this dish, you’ll want to dive into a few other LadyPlate favorites. The Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta delivers similar richness with a simpler twist. Or go bold with Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta for a fiery kick.

Looking for a heartier option? Try the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce that’s both creamy and satisfying. And if you’re after a chicken-forward comfort dish, Buffalo Chicken Lasagna layers spice and cheese in every bite.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go heavier on the Cajun? Did you swap in rotisserie chicken? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others cook it.

For more daily dinner inspiration, check out my recipe boards on Pinterest – LadyPlate.

Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Chicken Bites & Creamy Cajun Spinach Artichoke Alfredo Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dinner you can make in just one skillet. It’s packed with golden seared garlic chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, tender pasta, and hearty vegetables. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or an indulgent weekend treat.

Instructions

1. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.

3. Add chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

4. In a separate pot, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

5. In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

6. Stir in cream cheese until it starts to melt.

7. Pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth and combined.

8. Add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

9. Stir in spinach and artichoke hearts, cooking until the spinach wilts.

10. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

11. Return chicken to the pan and gently toss to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

12. Serve hot with additional Parmesan on top.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, melt-in sauce—pre-shredded cheese can be grainy.

Reserve at least ½ cup of pasta water—it’s perfect for loosening the sauce without thinning flavor.

You can use rotisserie chicken as a time-saver; just toss it with Cajun seasoning and sear lightly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 640
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 41g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: garlic chicken, Cajun Alfredo, spinach artichoke pasta