Description
Indulge in these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites paired with creamy rotini for a delightful dinner that warms the heart. This dish combines juicy chicken pieces with a rich, velvety sauce, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
- Cut the Chicken: Start by patting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Then, cut them into approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, about half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Rotini Pasta
- Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and Reserve: Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the rest of the pasta and set aside.
- Step 3: Craft the Creamy Rotini Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced fresh garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese. If using cream cheese, add it now and stir until melted.
- Simmer and Season: Let the sauce gently simmer for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained rotini pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat.
- Add Chicken Bites: Return the cooked garlic Parmesan chicken bites to the skillet and gently toss to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Divide the dish among serving plates, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: For best results, cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Fresh garlic is recommended for the sauce for a more vibrant flavor. Quality Parmesan makes a difference in taste.