If you’re looking for a dish that combines crispy, flavorful chicken with a luscious, comforting pasta, you’re in for a treat with the Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe. This recipe is the perfect balance of textures and tastes—the crunchy chicken bites bring an exciting pop against the silky, rich Parmesan cream sauce coating each strand of pasta. It’s a heartwarming meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. Once you try this, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in making this dish shine. From the crispy coating on the chicken to the creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs the pasta, every component pulls its weight to deliver layers of flavor and irresistible texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base, cut into perfect bite-sized pieces for maximum crispiness.
- Bread crumbs: Creates a crunchy crust that makes the chicken bites delightfully crispy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth both in the chicken coating and the pasta sauce.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the breading with warm, savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Eggs: The perfect binder to help the breadcrumb coating stick to each chicken bite.
- Olive oil: For pan-frying the chicken bites to golden perfection.
- Pasta: A hearty base to soak up that creamy Parmesan sauce—choose your favorite type.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a rich, velvety sauce that turns simple pasta into something luxurious.
How to Make Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light greasing, so your chicken doesn’t stick later. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces—this size cooks evenly, giving you that perfect crunchy exterior with juicy centers.
Step 2: Create the Breading Station
In a shallow dish, mix together bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs. This two-step dipping ensures every chicken bite gets coated thoroughly, creating that irresistible crust we’re all craving.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs first, then coat them generously with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. Lay the breaded chicken evenly on your lined baking sheet, ready for the hot skillet.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Bites
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, add your breaded chicken pieces. Cook them until each side is golden and crispy—about 5 to 6 minutes total. Once done, transfer the cooked bites to a plate so they stay crisp while you move on to the pasta.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken sizzles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. This way, it will have the perfect bite to pair with your creamy sauce and crunchy chicken. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet (hello, flavor!), pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently so the cream thickens just a bit—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken and become irresistibly smooth and luscious.
Step 7: Toss Pasta in the Sauce
Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss well so every strand gets coated in that rich Parmesan goodness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to elevate the flavors even more.
Step 8: Combine and Serve
To finish, plate the creamy Parmesan pasta, then generously top it with your crispy chicken bites. If you’re a Parmesan fan (and who isn’t?), sprinkle a little extra on top for that final touch of cheesy magic.
How to Serve Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a refreshing pop of green that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese over the top makes every bite even more delightful. For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes—totally optional but amazing if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite rich, so pairing it with lighter sides works beautifully. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess and adds crunch. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also complement the flavors and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken bites on skewers over the pasta for a shareable family-style meal. Or plate the pasta in shallow bowls and nestle the chicken bites on top for an elegant, restaurant-style look at home. Either way, it’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken bites and pasta in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the chicken’s crispiness and keeps the pasta sauce fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy it again without any compromise on texture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers longer, freeze the chicken bites separately on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze the pasta and sauce in a separate container. Both will keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to reheat a quick meal down the road.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. For the chicken bites, reheating in an oven or air fryer is best to restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving the chicken to keep that wonderful crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the sauce?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is classic for this dish, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or even a mild Asiago—just keep the cheese finely grated for smooth melting.
Is there a way to make the chicken bites gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture might differ slightly but you’ll still get that delightful crunch that makes this dish so enjoyable.
Can I bake the chicken bites instead of pan-frying?
Definitely! Baking at 400°F until golden and cooked through is a great hands-off option that reduces oil use. Flip the bites halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides.
What pasta types work best for this recipe?
The creamy sauce clings best to pasta shapes with ridges or twists like fusilli, rotini, or penne, but classic spaghetti or fettuccine also work wonderfully. Pick what you love or have on hand!
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and comforting by default, but adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while making the sauce or sprinkling some on top before serving will bring a lovely warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
The Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is truly a winning combination that delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction all in one plate. Whether you’re feeding the family or cooking for friends, this dish is sure to bring smiles and maybe even some happy dance moves around the table. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort meal!
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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: Italian-American
Description
Crispy chicken bites paired with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta create a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The chicken is coated in a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served atop a luscious cream-based Parmesan sauce tossed with al dente pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 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, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (any preferred type)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cut chicken pieces: Slice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces suitable for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Make breadcrumb mixture: In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give the chicken a flavorful crust.
- Beat the eggs: In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs thoroughly to serve as a binding agent for the breadcrumb coating.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Pan-fry the chicken bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the breaded chicken pieces and cook, turning frequently for an even golden, crispy crust, about 5-6 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Cook pasta: While the chicken cooks, 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.
- Prepare creamy sauce: In the same skillet used for cooking chicken, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Allow the cream to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss pasta in cream sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure all noodles are well-coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the crispy chicken bites. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra cheesy finish.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use panko bread crumbs for an even crispier chicken coating.
- Ensure the skillet and oil are sufficiently hot before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy crust.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftover chicken bites can be refrigerated separately and reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness.
