Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini is my go-to dinner when I need something that feels fancy but comes together without too much fuss. The crispy, golden chicken bites paired with silky Parmesan rotini create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

I first made this recipe on a busy Wednesday when my family was craving something comforting yet impressive. The combination of crispy chicken coated in garlic and Parmesan, nestled in a rich cream sauce, became an instant hit. What I love most is how the chicken stays juicy inside while getting that perfect golden crust outside. The creamy rotini picks up all those savory flavors, making every bite satisfying. This easy chicken dinner idea has become a weeknight staple, and I’m confident your family will request it again and again.

What You’ll Need for This Garlic Parmesan Recipe

I always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese in this recipe because it melts so much better than the pre-grated kind. Pro tip: save a little extra Parmesan to sprinkle on top before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces and patted dry
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer panko for extra crispiness, use 1¼ cups if using panko)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Rotini:

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced fresh
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but adds warmth)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cut your chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly. If you want extra crispy bites, pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before coating – this step really makes a difference.

How to Make Perfect Chicken Bites and Creamy Pasta

I prefer baking the chicken instead of pan-frying because it’s healthier and you can make all the bites at once without crowding the pan.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This coating mixture gives the chicken those crispy edges.

Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them around until every piece is thoroughly coated. Don’t rush this step. The more coating that sticks, the crispier your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites will be.

Step 4: Drizzle the olive oil over the coated chicken and toss again. The oil helps the coating turn golden brown and crispy in the oven.

Step 5: Arrange the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.

Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the coating turns golden brown. No need to flip, but you can rotate the pan halfway through for even browning.

Step 7: While the chicken bakes, cook the rotini pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. I usually set a timer for 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but save about 1 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 8: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn, which can make it bitter.

Step 9: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges.

Step 10: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking until it melts completely and the sauce thickens. This takes about 3-4 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water.

Step 11: Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and fold it gently into the creamy sauce until well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach a silky consistency that coats the pasta without pooling. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that really elevates the dish.

Step 12: When the chicken bites come out of the oven, add them to the pasta and sauce, tossing everything together gently so the chicken stays crispy on the outside. If you’re planning to have leftovers, consider keeping some chicken separate to maintain maximum crispiness.

Step 13: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. The bright green color and fresh flavor balance the richness perfectly.

Best Sides to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

This creamy chicken pasta pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides that cut through the richness.

Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy Parmesan sauce. The garlic flavor echoes what’s in the chicken bites, creating a cohesive meal.

Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy rotini. Plus, the Parmesan in the salad ties everything together.

Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli florets add color, nutrition, and a slight crunch that balances the soft pasta texture.

Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers roasted with olive oil and herbs bring natural sweetness and a caramelized flavor that complements the savory chicken.

White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the cream sauce and refreshes your palate between bites.

These best sides for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini ensure your dinner feels complete and satisfying.

More Family Dinner Ideas to Try

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini fit perfectly into a week of satisfying family dinners. For another creamy pasta option with tender chicken, try the Best Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta, which uses rotisserie chicken for an even quicker weeknight meal. The Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac Cheese offers similar comfort with a sweet and savory twist that kids especially love.

When you want to explore different flavor profiles while keeping that crispy chicken element, the Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce delivers restaurant-quality results, while Best Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles brings an Asian-inspired take on garlic chicken with noodles. Each of these recipes shares the appeal of tender chicken with satisfying pasta or sides, making them reliable choices for busy weeknights when the family needs something delicious and filling.

Storing Your Leftover Chicken and Pasta

Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken bites separately from the pasta to maintain their crispiness, especially if you’re planning to keep them longer than one day.

To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. For the chicken bites, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore that crispy coating. Avoid microwaving the chicken if you want to keep the texture.

Pro tip: freeze the baked chicken bites separately (before adding them to the pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven. Make fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve for the best results.

Common Questions About This Recipe

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