Name: Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Ready to pamper yourself and your loved ones with a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite? Let me introduce you to Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta: a mouthwatering pairing of juicy, golden chicken bites bathed in garlicky butter and nestled atop twirls of rich, silky Parmesan cream-coated pasta. This all-in-one meal is as inviting to make as it is to eat, promising restaurant-level flavor and everyday ease with every forkful.

Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item on this list serves a delicious purpose, lending flavor, richness, or that perfect hint of color that makes the whole dish irresistible.

Chicken breasts: Tender, juicy bites of boneless, skinless chicken are the star protein.
Olive oil: Helps the chicken cook evenly and adds a subtle hint of fruitiness.
Unsalted butter: Brings creamy richness to both the chicken bites and the pasta sauce.
Fresh garlic: Intensifies the savory depth in every bite, both in the chicken and the sauce.
Paprika: Adds warm color and a gentle smokiness to the chicken.
Garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Seasons every element to perfection.
Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape – each one is a cozy carrier for the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: The foundation for the luscious Parmesan sauce – don’t shy away!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, salty, intense character to the sauce.
Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil for a touch of freshness.
Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish and makes it extra pretty.

How to Make Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside. This step creates the perfect base for those creamy, cheesy flavors to cling to every noodle.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites

While the pasta’s bubbling away, toss your chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This quick seasoning step ensures every bite is flavorful long before it hits the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, letting each piece get beautifully golden and cooked through for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pieces cook evenly and don’t crowd the pan—this helps them crisp up rather than steam.

Step 4: Make it Garlicky and Buttery

Add the butter and minced garlic to the pan with the chicken. Let the butter melt and infuse the bites with rich, fragrant garlic, cooking for another minute or two. Once those aromas hit your kitchen, you’ll know it’s time to remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash it—those browned bits are gold), add another knob of butter and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Now comes the magic moment: sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy and decadent.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the sauce, along with a splash of reserved pasta water if it needs loosening. Toss to coat those noodles in every last creamy drop. Stir in chopped parsley for a pop of freshness, and taste for seasoning, adjusting as needed.

Step 7: Serve It All Together

Mound the creamy pasta onto plates or a serving platter and top generously with the golden garlic butter chicken bites. Sprinkle with extra parsley and Parmesan. Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is now ready to be devoured. The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the table!

How to Serve Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a generous dusting of Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper add color, aroma, and flavor to Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Try lemon zest for a hint of brightness or a drizzle of olive oil for gloss.

Side Dishes

Balance out the richness with a crisp green salad, or serve along roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Warm, crusty bread is ideal for mopping up that dreamy sauce and rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is gorgeous in a big platter family-style, but you can also serve it in individual bowls with the chicken stacked high. For dinner parties, present as nests of pasta crowned with chicken for the ultimate wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. This keeps everything fresh and lets the flavors meld—even better the next day!

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled pasta and chicken bites (together or separately) in a freezer-safe container. It’s best within a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge so the creamy sauce retains its silkiness.

Reheating

Rewarm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir until heated through, then serve with a fresh sprinkle of parsley. Avoid high heat to keep the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful. Just trim any excess fat, cut into bite-sized pieces, and cook as directed in the recipe for equally delicious results in your Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

What pasta shapes work best in this dish?

Short pastas like penne or rigatoni are perfect for catching the creamy sauce and bits of chicken, but long pastas like fettuccine or linguine cradle the richness beautifully, too. Use what you love and have on hand.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

You can swap in half-and-half or even whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less thick and rich. If you do, add a bit more Parmesan to help thicken and flavor the sauce for your Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Simmer the cream gently over moderate heat and avoid rapid boiling. Stir the grated Parmesan in slowly off the heat or on very low, which helps the sauce meld and stay silky.

Can I add veggies to Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta?

Yes! Add sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes either with the sauce or as a topping. Veggies bring extra color, nutrition, and make the dish even more satisfying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a cozy dinner that’s big on flavor, satisfaction, and shareable joy, give Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta a spot on your table. It’s a dish that quickly becomes a treasured favorite, and I can’t wait for you to taste the magic for yourself!

Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the chicken bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Add butter and minced garlic, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Make the creamy Parmesan sauce: In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream, bring to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian