Description

A rich and creamy pasta dish with Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce, golden crispy chicken bites, and garlicky creamed spinach. It’s the kind of comfort meal that hits every note—spicy, cheesy, and crispy in one satisfying bowl.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Oil, for frying or baking

8 oz linguine or fusilli pasta

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 teaspoons butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups fresh spinach

1/4 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bread the Chicken: Season the flour with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Set aside on a baking rack.

2. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

3. Cook the Chicken: Fry the chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Or, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add heavy cream and simmer. Stir in Velveeta and Parmesan until melted. Add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let thicken slightly.

5. Cream the Spinach: In a separate pan, melt butter, add garlic, then toss in spinach. Cook until wilted. Stir in cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

6. Combine and Serve: Toss pasta into the Alfredo sauce. Plate pasta with a side of creamed spinach and top with crispy chicken. Garnish with extra Cajun seasoning or black pepper.

Notes

For maximum crispiness, let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference—start small and build.

Use reserved pasta water to thin out the Alfredo sauce if needed for creamier consistency.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop + Optional Baking
Cuisine: Southern Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 735
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 930mg
Fat: 41g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 170mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, Cajun Alfredo, crispy chicken, comfort food