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
Scale
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
