Description

Start with tender garlic chicken bites packed with bold Cajun flavor, then swirl them into a creamy spinach artichoke Alfredo sauce tossed with pasta. This comforting, one-pan meal is the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, weeknight meals, or cozy comfort food, this easy recipe brings bold flavors to the table without the fuss. It’s a must-try for pasta lovers and anyone hunting for new dinner ideas.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups baby spinach, chopped

1 cup canned artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

12 oz cavatappi pasta

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and season with Cajun seasoning and salt.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

5. Gradually pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and thick.

6. Fold in spinach and artichokes and cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts.

7. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain.

8. Toss cooked pasta with Alfredo sauce. Add pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.

9. Add chicken bites back to the pan or serve on top.

10. Garnish with red pepper flakes and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly into the sauce.

Don’t overcook the chicken—searing until golden keeps it juicy.

Add pasta water a little at a time to get the sauce just right.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 recipe)
Calories: 680
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, cajun chicken, Alfredo pasta, spinach artichoke pasta, easy dinner recipe