Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Juicy Chicken Bites & Velvety Pasta Perfection!
By Jason Griffith
Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken bites infused with garlic and herbs, nestled among silky pasta strands, all coated in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl! It’s a deliciously satisfying meal that’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal that comes together with minimal fuss. Get ready to indulge in this cheesy, garlicky, and incredibly comforting dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of meals that feel indulgent yet are simple to whip up, and this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta absolutely hits the mark. What I truly adore is the way the juicy, flavorful chicken bites perfectly complement the velvety, garlicky Parmesan pasta. The sauce is incredibly rich and clingy, coating every strand and piece, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, comforting the soul and satisfying even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a dream for busy evenings!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking chicken)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for chicken)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast cooks quickly. Chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces can also be used for extra juiciness.
- Seasoning for Chicken: The garlic powder and paprika give the chicken a great flavor and color. Feel free to add a pinch of onion powder or dried oregano.
- Pasta Type: Fettuccine, penne, or rotini are excellent choices for holding creamy sauces. Spaghetti, linguine, or shells would also work.
- Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness in both the chicken and the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for both the chicken and the sauce for the best aromatic flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream provides the richness and velvety texture that makes this dish so indulgent. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, as the sauce will be thinner and may curdle.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and superior flavor. Pre-grated varieties can sometimes be drier and not melt as smoothly.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend typically includes dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.
- Spice (Optional): A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce with the Italian seasoning for a subtle kick.
- Vegetable Additions (Optional): A handful of fresh baby spinach can be stirred into the pasta sauce at the end until wilted. You could also sauté some chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for the sauce.
Directions:
1. Cook the Chicken Bites: Cut the 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Add the 2 cloves minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it warm (you can cover it loosely with foil).
2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, boil the 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice) in a large pot of generously salted water according to package instructions until al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Drain the pasta well and set aside. (You can reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later).
3. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same large skillet used for the chicken (no need to clean it; the browned bits add flavor!), melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the 3 cloves minced garlic (for the sauce) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the 1 cup heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add the 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly to a wonderfully creamy consistency. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
4. Combine & Serve: Add the cooked pasta and the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together, using tongs or two large spoons, until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the rich, cheesy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately in bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly, especially when cut into bites. Cook until just done to keep them juicy.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook pasta to al dente as it will finish cooking slightly when tossed in the hot sauce.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Use a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself for the best melting and superior flavor.
- Gentle Simmer with Cream: Once the heavy cream is added, maintain a gentle simmer. Avoid a rolling boil, as this can cause the cream to separate.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before combining everything and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference.
- Serve Immediately: Creamy pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh from the pan when the sauce is at its creamiest.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple Italian-inspired additions.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed green beans or asparagus could be a nice complement.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay, a light Pinot Grigio, or a medium-bodied Sangiovese would pair well with the creamy sauce and chicken.
- For other comforting and flavorful chicken or pasta dishes, check out these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
Storage and Leftover Tips
Creamy pasta dishes are generally best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can thicken and pasta can soften upon standing.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably, and the pasta may soften.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You will likely need to add a splash of extra heavy cream or chicken broth to re-loosen the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency. Avoid high heat when reheating.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the cream-based sauce can separate and the pasta/chicken texture may suffer upon thawing and reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a truly delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its tender chicken bites and rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce create an unforgettable culinary experience that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy. Get ready to savor every cheesy, creamy bite!
What are your go-to comfort food pasta dishes, or do you have a secret ingredient that makes your creamy sauces extra special? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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