If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that brings a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinner, this Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is absolutely a must-try. It combines crispy, golden chicken bites with a luscious, velvety Parmesan cream sauce that lovingly coats tender pasta, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that feel both indulgent and satisfying. Every forkful is a little celebration in itself, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness. From the sharp nuttiness of Parmesan to the crisp coating on the chicken, every component is essential.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken for tender bites that cook evenly and stay juicy.
- 1 cup bread crumbs: The crunchy coating for chicken that gives it that irresistible golden crisp.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth both in the breading and the sauce.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Imparts a gentle aromatic punch that uplifts every bite.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and balance.
- 2 eggs: The glue that helps keep the breading on the chicken bites during cooking.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For frying the chicken to a crispy golden finish.
- 8 oz pasta: A tender base that soaks up the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to a rich and silky sauce that ties the whole dish together.
How to Make Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, which is the perfect size for quick cooking and great for creating crispy, flavorful morsels.
Step 2: Make the Breading Mix
In a shallow dish, mix together the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is where the magic begins—the Parmesan enriches the crunch while the spices add complexity.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Beat the eggs in another shallow dish, then dip each piece of chicken first into the eggs, ensuring a good coating. Next, press them gently into the breadcrumb mixture so every bite is well-covered, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheet ready for the skillet.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Bites
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the breaded chicken pieces and cook, turning as needed, until golden and crispy on all sides—about 5 to 6 minutes total. This step locks in juiciness while giving you that incredible crunch. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 5: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil while cooking the chicken. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. The pasta is your cozy canvas for the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently as the cream gently thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. This takes on the leftover pan flavors and transforms them into the base of the sauce.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing well to evenly coat every strand. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed for the perfect balance.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Serve your creamy Parmesan pasta on plates or a large platter, topping it generously with those crispy, golden chicken bites. This is where everything comes together into a dish that’s both stunning and comforting.
How to Serve Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add a fresh contrast, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or some finely chopped parsley or basil on top. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can brighten the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs perfectly to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls with the chicken bites elegantly arranged over the top. For a family-style approach, a large rustic wooden board or a deep serving dish encourages everyone to dig in together, enhancing the warm, welcoming vibe of this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken bites and pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days and maintain their flavor when properly stored.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken bites and pasta separately for the best texture. Wrap the chicken bites tightly and place the pasta with sauce in a freezer-safe container. Both can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat pasta gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Warm the chicken bites in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain their delightful crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional pasta like fettuccine or penne works wonderfully, you can use your favorite shape—just be mindful to adjust cooking times according to the package instructions to keep the texture perfect.
Is it necessary to bake the chicken bites before frying?
This recipe skips baking in favor of pan-frying to get that delightful crispy crust quickly. Baking can work but frying gives better texture and flavor in less time.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though the creaminess will be less rich. To help thicken, consider adding a small amount of flour or cornstarch while simmering the sauce.
How can I make the chicken bites gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular bread crumbs for gluten-free bread crumbs and check that your Parmesan cheese does not contain any fillers with gluten. This swap keeps the dish delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What wine pairs well with Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and crispy chicken beautifully, enhancing the meal with a bright, refreshing note.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dinner that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make, the Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together simple ingredients with a thoughtful blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious meal that tastes like a restaurant-worthy celebration of comfort food!
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Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe features tender, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served atop a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in just 35 minutes, this dish combines crunchy chicken bites with a luscious sauce coating al dente pasta for a delightful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prep for the chicken bites after breading.
- Cut Chicken: Slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will add flavor and crunch to the chicken.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs thoroughly; these will help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken pieces.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs first, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Arrange breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Pan-Fry Chicken Bites: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken pieces and cook them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently until the cream thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the crispy chicken bites. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less thick and creamy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in both the breading and the sauce.
- Ensure the oil is hot before adding chicken to get a crispy exterior without the chicken absorbing too much oil.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
