Description
Craving something bold, creamy, and crispy all at once? These *Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Hot Cajun Alfredo & Crispy Spinach Twists* check every box. It’s the perfect blend of juicy chicken with a crunchy coating, spicy Alfredo sauce hugging every noodle, and buttery spinach adding a rich finish. This easy dinner idea works for both weeknight cravings and weekend indulgence. Whether you’re into quick comfort meals, looking for dinner ideas, or love experimenting with flavor-packed food ideas, this dish is a satisfying win from start to finish.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups fresh baby spinach
1 tbsp butter
1 clove garlic minced
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz rotini pasta
Salted water
Optional parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg, then add chicken pieces and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the fridge.
2. In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove chicken from marinade and coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F or oven to 425°F.
5. Cook chicken: air fry for 10–12 minutes flipping halfway, or bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
6. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.
7. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Add cream and simmer, then stir in Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
8. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Add cream, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
9. Toss pasta with Alfredo sauce or spoon it over the top.
10. Plate the pasta, top with spinach, and crown with crispy garlic parmesan chicken bites. Garnish if desired.
Notes
Double coat the chicken for extra crunch.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
A splash of pasta water can help loosen up Alfredo if it thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air fry or bake
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, Cajun Alfredo, spinach pasta, easy dinner, crispy chicken, comfort food