Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini recipe is a delightful combination of crispy, flavorful chicken pieces coated in a savory parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, paired with tender rotini pasta tossed in a rich and creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish balances crispy textures with creamy goodness and a touch of fresh parsley for garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (for coating)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken: In a medium bowl, season the chicken chunks with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring they are evenly coated to build flavor.
- Prepare coating: In another bowl, mix together the grated parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs, creating a coating mixture for the chicken.
- Coat chicken bites: Dip each chicken piece into the parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres well to the chicken.
- Fry chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken bites in batches, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make sauce base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- Incorporate parmesan: Add the grated parmesan cheese to the cream and whisk continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta: Add the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing well to coat all the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Assemble and serve: Plate the creamy rotini pasta and top with the crispy garlic parmesan chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the parmesan and breadcrumb mixture before frying.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality in the sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when frying chicken to maintain crispiness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of additional parmesan for added presentation and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites, Creamy Rotini, Parmesan Chicken, Pasta with Cream Sauce, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Chicken Pasta Recipe
