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
Scale
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.
