If you love creamy Alfredo, cheesy spinach-artichoke dip, and juicy garlic chicken, this Spinach-Artichoke Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Parmesan brings all those flavors together in one irresistible dish. It’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for when you want something hearty yet elegant. The creamy Alfredo sauce gets a delicious upgrade with tender spinach, tangy artichokes, and a crispy Parmesan topping that adds the perfect crunch. I first made this when craving both Alfredo and spinach-artichoke dip—combining them turned out to be pure magic. This is comfort food with a gourmet twist, and it’s guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the best parts of three classic favorites—creamy Alfredo pasta, flavorful garlic chicken, and cheesy spinach-artichoke dip. The result is a dish that’s ultra-creamy, full of texture, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for special dinners but easy enough for a weeknight treat. The crispy Parmesan topping takes it to another level, adding a beautiful golden finish and crunch that contrasts the silky sauce.
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Spinach-Artichoke Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Parmesan: A Restaurant-Quality Comfort Meal at Home
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A luxurious and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, spinach, artichokes, and a crispy Parmesan topping — a restaurant-quality comfort meal made easily at home.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add artichokes and spinach; cook for 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in 3/4 cup Parmesan, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine remaining Parmesan with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Substitute kale for spinach if desired.
- For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This dish reheats beautifully and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Tender and juicy when cooked with garlic, these provide the hearty protein base for the dish.
Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken and building rich flavor at the start.
Butter – Adds richness to the Alfredo sauce and helps create a creamy texture.
Garlic – The star aromatic that infuses every layer of this dish with irresistible flavor.
Spinach – Adds freshness, color, and a nutrient boost to balance the creamy sauce.
Artichoke Hearts – Provide a tangy contrast that perfectly complements the richness of the Alfredo.
Heavy Cream – Forms the base of the silky, luxurious Alfredo sauce.
Cream Cheese – Adds body and a slight tang, mimicking the flavor of classic spinach-artichoke dip.
Parmesan Cheese – Used in the sauce and for the crispy topping, giving nutty, salty depth.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully into the sauce for extra creaminess.
Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta – The classic pairing for Alfredo sauce, perfect for catching all that creamy goodness.
Salt and Black Pepper – For perfect seasoning throughout.
Crushed Red Pepper (optional) – Adds a subtle kick to balance the creamy richness.
Breadcrumbs (for topping) – Combined with Parmesan to create a crispy, golden finish.
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet, let rest, and slice.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Add Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts. Cook until the spinach wilts and the artichokes are warmed through.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Broil to finish: Place the skillet or baking dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, just until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan or parsley and serve hot.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people and takes about 40 minutes total—15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes to cook. It’s elegant enough for date night but simple enough for a family dinner.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. For best texture, crisp the topping again under the broiler before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the breadcrumb topping for a lighter meal.
Spicy Garlic Alfredo – Add extra crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Mushroom Spinach Alfredo – Stir in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami twist.
Four-Cheese Delight – Mix in fontina or asiago cheese with Parmesan and mozzarella for deeper flavor.
Chicken-Free Option – Omit the chicken and serve as a creamy vegetarian main dish.
Baked Casserole Style – Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake for 15 minutes for a bubbly, golden finish.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Yes, it’s a great time-saver and works perfectly with the sauce.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce.
What kind of artichokes should I use?
Canned or jarred artichoke hearts (in water, not oil) are best for this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything except the crispy topping, refrigerate, and broil right before serving.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Add a bit more cream cheese or a splash of milk when reheating the sauce.
Can I use another pasta type?
Absolutely—penne, rigatoni, or tagliatelle work great too.
Is it spicy?
No, it’s mild by default, but you can adjust the heat with red pepper flakes.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
What sides pair well with this?
A fresh Caesar salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness perfectly.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before broiling. Reheat and crisp the top before serving.
Conclusion
Spinach-Artichoke Garlic Chicken Alfredo with Crispy Parmesan is the ultimate comfort meal that blends creamy, cheesy indulgence with a touch of elegance. Each bite combines tender chicken, silky sauce, and that irresistible crunch of Parmesan topping. Whether for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner for guests, this dish promises to satisfy every craving for rich, comforting flavor with a sophisticated twist.
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