Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings together crispy, tender chicken bites with a rich and creamy pasta. The chicken is coated in a crunchy breading with a hint of garlic and Parmesan, then baked to perfection, while the pasta is enveloped in a velvety Parmesan sauce that’s both comforting and indulgent. This dish is ideal for a family dinner or a weeknight meal that will impress everyone at the table. The combination of crispy chicken and creamy pasta makes it a winning recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite.

This recipe offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The chicken bites provide a crunchy exterior with a juicy interior, while the creamy pasta is rich and cheesy, adding a luxurious touch. The fresh parsley on top not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of freshness to complement the richness of the dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something simple but indulgent, this dish is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds. The crispy chicken bites are a fun twist on traditional chicken, while the creamy Parmesan pasta elevates the meal to something extraordinary. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something both easy to prepare and satisfying. It’s a family-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy, offering a hearty meal that doesn’t take long to make.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Bread crumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Eggs
• Olive oil
• Pasta
• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley

Variations

• Chicken Variations: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Pasta Substitutes: Swap out the pasta for another variety, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne.
• Add Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
3. Prepare the Bread Crumb Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be the coating for the chicken.
4. Beat the Eggs: In another dish, beat the eggs to create a dipping station for the chicken.
5. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat with the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
6. Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil to help the chicken crisp up during baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
8. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over low heat, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated with the rich, cheesy sauce.
10. Assemble the Dish: Serve the crispy chicken bites on top of the creamy Parmesan pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For Crispier Chicken: If you prefer even crispier chicken bites, try broiling the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: For even cooking, make sure the chicken pieces are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy.
• Make the Sauce Creamier: If you prefer a richer sauce, add a little extra Parmesan cheese or a tablespoon of butter to the heavy cream.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: Always reserve a little bit of pasta water before draining. You can add it to the sauce to adjust the consistency if needed.

How to Serve

Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a complete meal that’s delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for extra nutrition. Serve it with some garlic bread for a hearty, satisfying dinner. If you want to make the meal more festive, a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, pairs wonderfully with the creamy pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken bites and creamy Parmesan pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed.

Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen, the creamy pasta sauce may not freeze as well due to its dairy content. To freeze, store the chicken separately in a freezer-safe container and reheat when ready to serve. You can make fresh pasta and sauce to go with the frozen chicken.

Reheating: Reheat leftovers by microwaving the chicken and pasta together, or place them in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If the sauce thickens too much, add a small amount of milk to bring it back to a creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought bread crumbs for the chicken?
   Yes, store-bought breadcrumbs will work perfectly if you’re looking for a quicker option.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
   You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter for a lighter option.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free bread crumbs and gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Absolutely! Chicken thighs will provide a juicier, more flavorful bite.
6. Can I make the creamy sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before using.
7. What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
   Any pasta will work, but fettuccine or penne are great options for holding the creamy sauce.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese in the sauce?
   Yes, you can use other cheeses like Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor.
9. Can I bake the chicken in advance?
   Yes, you can bake the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
10. How can I make the pasta sauce thicker?
    If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid or add a tablespoon of flour to the heavy cream to thicken it.

Conclusion

Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a deliciously comforting and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. With crispy chicken bites and a rich, creamy pasta sauce, it’s a dish that will surely become a family favorite. This recipe is versatile, allowing for substitutions and additions, and it’s perfect for making ahead or storing leftovers for later. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe will deliver a satisfying and flavorful meal every time.

Print