Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Creamy Pasta
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Creamy Pasta is the perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken, rich garlic and Parmesan flavors, and a creamy pasta base. It’s an indulgent dish that hits all the right notes of savory, cheesy, and comforting. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, family gathering, or a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit.
The creamy pasta complements the crispy chicken bites, creating a satisfying texture contrast. Plus, the garlic and Parmesan elevate the overall flavor profile, making it an unforgettable meal. Paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables, this dish can easily become a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Creamy Pasta
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter, for frying
For the Creamy Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Creamy Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and set aside: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Be sure to save a little pasta water to use later if you need to thin out the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken breast cubes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Coat with flour and Parmesan: In a separate dish, mix flour and grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge the chicken pieces in the mixture, ensuring they’re coated evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned and coated chicken pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Melt the butter: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
- Add the pasta: Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss the pasta in the creamy sauce until it’s evenly coated.
- Add the chicken: Return the cooked chicken bites to the pan and stir gently to combine. Allow the chicken to heat through in the sauce, ensuring it is coated with the creamy Parmesan mixture.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the dish: Serve the garlic Parmesan chicken bites creamy pasta on plates, making sure each serving has a good amount of chicken and pasta.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for more cheesy goodness.
Tips for Making the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Creamy Pasta
- Use fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese. Fresh Parmesan melts better and adds more richness to the sauce.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a little longer. For a lighter sauce, add a bit more chicken broth or pasta water to thin it out.
- Customize the seasonings: You can add additional seasonings like Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes for heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Variations of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Creamy Pasta
Add Vegetables
Incorporate some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to add color and nutrition to the dish. Simply sauté the vegetables in the same pan after cooking the chicken or stir them into the sauce while it simmers.
Swap Pasta Types
You can easily swap fettuccine for any other type of pasta, such as penne, linguine, or spaghetti, depending on your preference.
Make It Spicy
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or drizzle some hot sauce on top of the finished dish.
Shrimp or Salmon Instead of Chicken
If you prefer seafood, you can substitute the chicken for shrimp or even salmon. Both pair wonderfully with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Creamy Pasta
- Garlic Bread: Pair this creamy pasta with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a healthy addition, serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts.
Conclusion: A Comforting Meal with Rich Flavors
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Creamy Pasta is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy, flavorful chicken and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce creates a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this recipe is sure to please.
Its versatility allows you to add vegetables, change the protein, or adjust the seasonings to fit your tastes. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it the ideal weeknight dinner or special treat.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Creamy Pasta
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pasta pot
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken pieces with the mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken pieces until golden and crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce, then top with the crispy chicken bites.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Video
Notes
Add some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor.