If you’re craving a meal that combines crispy, flavorful chicken with a velvety, rich pasta sauce, look no further than this incredible Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting, perfect for a family dinner or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The golden, crunchy chicken bites paired with the luscious Parmesan cream sauce clinging to every strand of pasta make for an irresistible combo you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. Each component plays its part in building flavor, texture, and that irresistible creamy richness that makes this dish shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that gets transformed into crispy, tender bites.
- Bread crumbs: Provide the perfect crunchy coating for the chicken pieces.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty depth to the coating and the pasta sauce.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with subtle aromatic warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning throughout.
- Eggs: Help the breading stick to the chicken bites for that perfect crust.
- Olive oil: For frying the chicken bites to a golden crisp.
- Pasta: The comforting base that soaks up the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Heavy cream: The silky foundation of the luscious sauce that envelops the pasta.
How to Make Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven and preparing a baking sheet to keep things neat. Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure every bite is tender and crispy. Set up two shallow dishes—one for the beaten eggs and another for the mixture of bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the eggs, then coat generously with the breadcrumb mix. This double-dip technique guarantees a crunchy and flavorful crust every time.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken Bites
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken bites, cooking them until they develop a beautiful golden brown color and crisp exterior on all sides. This step locks in juiciness while creating that irresistible crunch. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to keep warm and maintain crispness.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While you’re frying the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta following the package instructions. The slight saltiness in the water seasons the pasta internally. Drain it well and set it aside, ready to be enveloped in that dreamy Parmesan cream sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet that held the chicken, pour in the heavy cream and turn the heat to medium. Stir often as the cream warms and reduces slightly, thickening to a luscious consistency. This step is key—the sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance all the flavors.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Then Serve
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing gently so every strand is decadently coated. Plate the pasta and generously pile those golden chicken bites on top. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and perhaps a pinch of fresh herbs, and you have a meal that’s as delightful to look at as it is to devour.
How to Serve Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or even a little chopped parsley or basil over the top for a splash of green and a boost of fresh flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can also brighten this rich dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since the pasta and chicken bites are already quite filling, consider light sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a simple bruschetta also complements this meal very well, providing an additional crunchy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family dinners, serve the pasta in a large shallow bowl or platter with the chicken bites nestled artfully on top. You could also offer the crispy chicken bites separately so guests can add them to their pasta plates as desired. Pairing with a glass of crisp white wine rounds out the experience beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken bites and creamy Parmesan pasta in airtight containers and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for perfect next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken bites and the pasta separately to maintain texture. Wrap the chicken bites well and freeze for up to one month. The creamy pasta sauce doesn’t freeze as well due to the cream, so it’s best to prepare the sauce fresh when thawing the chicken bites.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Warm the chicken bites in an oven or toaster oven to retain their crunchiness rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While any pasta works well, shapes like penne, fettuccine, or even farfalle hold the creamy Parmesan sauce nicely, giving you delicious bites every time.
Is it possible to bake the chicken bites instead of frying?
Yes, baking the chicken bites is a great healthier alternative. Bake them on a parchment-lined tray at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to thicken, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For best results, stick with heavy cream or a similar full-fat option.
How do I ensure the chicken bites are crispy and not soggy?
Coat the chicken well with breading and avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying. Also, resting the cooked chicken on a rack instead of a plate helps keep them crispy by allowing air circulation.
Can this Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe be made dairy-free?
You can adapt the recipe by using dairy-free Parmesan alternatives and substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, though the flavor will be different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it strikes the perfect balance between crispy, savory chicken and indulgently smooth pasta. It’s approachable enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough for weekend gatherings. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish with the people you love. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
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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
This Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful and satisfying dish featuring crispy, golden-breaded chicken pieces paired with rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfectly cooked chicken bites complement the luscious, thickened cream sauce tossed with pasta, making this meal ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Make Breading Mixture: In a shallow dish, thoroughly combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate shallow dish, beat the two eggs to use as a binding agent for the breading.
- Bread Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the beaten eggs, then coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cook Chicken Bites: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken bites and cook them for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make 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 and let the cream thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing it well to ensure every strand is coated. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with the crispy chicken bites. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor, if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
Notes
- You can swap the bread crumbs for panko for an even crispier texture on the chicken bites.
- If you prefer, bake the breaded chicken bites in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes instead of pan-frying for a lighter version.
- Use any short pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle for the creamy Parmesan sauce to cling better.
- To reduce calories, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs and gluten-free pasta.
