There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of creamy pasta paired with golden, crispy bites of chicken. This dish, Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta, is the epitome of cozy yet sophisticated weeknight dinners. The tender chicken, coated in a golden crust and infused with garlic flavor, perfectly complements the rich and velvety Parmesan sauce that hugs every strand of pasta.
Whether you’re looking for an easy meal to wow your family or a recipe that feels like a restaurant-quality indulgence, this dish has you covered. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big on Flavor: The garlic-infused chicken and creamy Parmesan sauce are a match made in culinary heaven.
- Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Versatile: Switch up the pasta or add vegetables to make it your own!
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, this is the ultimate treat for your taste buds.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine tender, juicy chicken bites with a crisp, flavorful crust kissed with garlic and paprika. Pair that with perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce that’s as velvety as it is indulgent. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors—savory, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.
- One-Pan Magic: Less cleanup with this straightforward recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan for pasta
- Mixing bowls for dredging
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to the sauce for added nutrition.
- Pasta: Swap fettuccine for penne, spaghetti, or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
- Cheese: Boost the flavor by mixing in Romano or Asiago cheese with the Parmesan.
How to Make Golden Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta
1. Prepare the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
2. Coat the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the mixture, shaking off the excess.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Stir in the chicken broth, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
5. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. Return the chicken to the pan, mixing everything together until well combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
What to Serve with This Recipe
- A Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much garlic!
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans pair beautifully with this dish.
Tips for Success
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensure all chicken pieces are the same size for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to maintain its golden crust.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save some of the pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to refresh the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture, then toss everything together before serving.
Can I use a dairy-free alternative?
Certainly! Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan substitutes for a lactose-friendly version.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Fettuccine is a classic choice, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni works great for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the kind of recipe that effortlessly blends comfort and elegance. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and endlessly adaptable. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will shine every time.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments or share your creation on Pinterest—I’d love to see it!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
Looking for more pasta inspiration? Check out my other creamy pasta recipes, including Creamy Pesto Penne with Chicken and Lemon Butter Shrimp Fettuccine.
Let’s get cooking! 🍴
Golden Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan for pasta
- Mixing bowls for dredging
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
- Coat the Chicken
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the mixture, shaking off the excess.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Stir in the chicken broth, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. Return the chicken to the pan, mixing everything together until well combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensure all chicken pieces are the same size for even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to maintain its golden crust.
Reserve Pasta Water: Save some of the pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or milk to refresh the sauce.
