If you’re craving a dish that brings together crispy, flavorful chicken and a luscious, cheesy sauce, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines tender chicken pieces coated in a golden Parmesan crust with silky pasta bathed in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or impressing friends without hours in the kitchen. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and a warm, comforting flavor that will make this recipe one you keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to a great Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and irresistible textures. Each element complements the others perfectly, making this dish balanced and satisfying.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, perfect for bite-sized pieces that cook evenly.
- Bread crumbs: Provide a crispy, golden crust that adds a delightful crunch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the chicken coating and pasta sauce with savory, nutty notes.
- Garlic powder: Offers a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out and balance the flavors.
- Eggs: Help the breadcrumb mixture adhere perfectly to the chicken bites.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve beautiful browning on the chicken.
- Pasta (8 oz): Serves as the comforting base that carries the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates a smooth, decadent sauce that ties everything together with a velvety finish.
How to Make Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and preparing your baking sheet with parchment paper or a light grease to prevent sticking. Cut your chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. In one shallow dish, mix bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well. Arrange these coated chicken bites neatly on your baking sheet.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, carefully add your breaded chicken pieces. Cook them just until they become golden brown and beautifully crispy on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is key for that delightful crunch you’ll love. Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
While your chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This adds flavor to the pasta right from the start. Boil your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain it thoroughly and set aside. The al dente texture will hold up nicely when mixed with the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet you cooked the chicken in helps capture every bit of flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently and watch carefully as it thickens slightly, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step turns the cream into a luscious sauce that’s ready to cling to your pasta perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce and Serve
Add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the cream sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand in the rich, cheesy goodness. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed to balance the flavors just right. Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta generously topped with those absolutely irresistible chicken bites. For an extra touch, sprinkle more Parmesan on top and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple yet effective garnish can elevate your Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe even further. Freshly chopped parsley adds a beautiful pop of green and a hint of freshness to contrast the creamy sauce. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese right before serving for an additional savory layer that melts beautifully over the warm pasta.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy and crispy main with a crisp, bright salad to balance the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy Caesar salad complements the flavors without overwhelming the dish. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also serve as fantastic sides that add color and nutrients to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to impress, present the pasta in individual shallow bowls with the chicken bites arranged decoratively on top. Drizzle a little extra creamy sauce over the chicken and dust with Parmesan and freshly ground pepper for that irresistible, polished look. Adding a lemon wedge on the side not only looks charming but also gives guests the option to add a refreshing citrus note.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers of the Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the chicken bites and pasta together to preserve the full flavor experience when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place the chicken bites and pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. For the chicken bites, you can refresh the crispiness by warming them briefly in a non-stick pan or under a broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor thanks to their higher fat content, but you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly since they can be thicker than breasts.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
This recipe is versatile, but medium-width pastas like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work especially well because they hold the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully without overpowering the tender chicken bites.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt to lighten the sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich. Baking the chicken bites instead of frying also reduces the fat content while keeping them crispy if done right.
Can I prepare the chicken bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat and bake the chicken bites a few hours ahead and keep them warm in a low oven or cover and refrigerate. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy before adding them to the pasta.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Make sure to heat the cream gently and avoid boiling it vigorously. Stir frequently and add the pasta right after thickening the sauce. Adding a bit of cheese towards the end helps stabilize the sauce as well.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and approachable. It’s perfect for when you want to serve something comforting but still special without too much fuss. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite for casual dinners and special occasions alike. Grab your apron and get ready for a deliciously satisfying experience that’s sure to brighten any mealtime.
Print
Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta combines crispy, flavorful chicken pieces with a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated. The chicken is breaded and pan-fried to golden perfection, then paired with al dente pasta coated in a luscious cream sauce infused with Parmesan cheese and subtle garlic notes.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the 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 prevent sticking.
- Cut the chicken. Slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces suitable for easy eating.
- Prepare the breading mixture. In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating.
- Beat the eggs. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs thoroughly to use as a binding agent for the breading.
- Bread the chicken pieces. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Arrange the breaded pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cook the chicken bites. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken pieces and cook them until golden and crispy on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the pasta. While cooking the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the creamy 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 to the skillet with the thickened cream sauce, tossing well to coat every strand. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve. Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the crispy chicken bites. Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a thinner sauce.
- You can swap olive oil for vegetable oil if preferred for frying chicken.
- Adding fresh parsley or basil as garnish can provide a fresh herbaceous note.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken to ensure even crispiness.
- This dish can be prepared gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs and pasta.
