Description
Looking for a bold and satisfying dinner idea that feels like restaurant-quality without the hassle? These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Hot Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Spinach Twists deliver big flavor in every bite. Perfectly seasoned and crispy chicken is paired with creamy Cajun Alfredo sauce and twirled together with rotini pasta and lightly crisped spinach. It’s the ultimate comfort food fusion—great for weeknight dinners, food ideas for entertaining, or a quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. This easy recipe also doubles as one of your go-to healthy-ish indulgences—balanced, spicy, cheesy, and totally unforgettable.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1.5 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 teaspoon olive oil
Pinch of salt
Optional chili flakes or garlic powder
8 ounces rotini pasta
Salt for boiling water
Optional olive oil drizzle
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate in buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper for at least 20 minutes.
2. Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
3. Remove chicken from marinade and coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken bites for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. For a lighter option, bake the chicken at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. In the same skillet, quickly sauté the spinach in olive oil for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Set aside.
8. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add heavy cream and bring to a low simmer.
9. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Cajun seasoning. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens, then adjust salt and pepper to taste.
10. Combine pasta with Cajun Alfredo sauce and toss to coat.
11. Top pasta with crispy spinach and garlic Parmesan chicken bites.
12. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or chili flakes if desired.
Notes
Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before cooking—this helps the coating stick and crisp up better.
Always whisk your Alfredo sauce constantly to avoid clumping and get a smooth, creamy finish.
For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan—not the pre-shredded kind.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 full plated dish
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: easy dinner, crispy chicken bites, Cajun Alfredo, creamy pasta, food ideas, comfort food, spicy chicken, garlic parmesan, healthy-ish indulgence, quick dinner