When it comes to weeknight dinners or family gatherings, finding a dish that’s both simple and delicious can be a challenge. But with Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta, you’ve just discovered the perfect balance of rich, comforting flavors and easy preparation. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken bites coated in golden garlic goodness, all served over a creamy, cheesy Parmesan pasta that’s irresistibly rich and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal for busy nights or something special to impress guests, this dish will undoubtedly become a new favorite.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the details of how to make this crowd-pleasing dinner, from preparing the chicken to creating the creamy Parmesan pasta sauce. Plus, you’ll find tips on how to customize this recipe to your liking and make it even more memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Perfect Flavor Balance: The savory garlic chicken, with a hint of onion powder, paprika, and thyme, is the ideal complement to the creamy, cheesy Parmesan pasta.
Quick and Easy: In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a hearty and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Customizable: Whether you want to add veggies, switch up the pasta, or make the sauce a little more decadent, this recipe is versatile and adaptable.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to wow everyone at the table. From kids to adults, everyone will be asking for seconds.

So let’s get into the details of making this irresistible dish!

Ingredients: Simple Yet Flavorful

For this recipe, we use basic ingredients that pack a punch. The combination of garlic, thyme, and Parmesan creates a perfect blend of savory flavors, while the creamy sauce brings it all together. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Golden Garlic Chicken Bites:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

The first step is to cook the pasta. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta of choice whether you prefer fettuccine, penne, or another variety and cook it according to the package instructions. Once it reaches the perfect al dente texture, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the Golden Garlic Chicken Bites

While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, then season them with onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.

After the chicken is cooked, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Then, pour in the 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and stir continuously. Allow the cream to come to a gentle simmer.

Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slowly into the sauce. This will create the rich, creamy texture you’re looking for. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce thickens too much, you can adjust the consistency by adding a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired thickness.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta gently in the sauce, making sure each strand is coated with the creamy goodness. If you need to loosen up the sauce, you can always add a bit more reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Top with Golden Garlic Chicken Bites

Once the pasta is nicely coated in the sauce, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the golden garlic chicken bites on top of the pasta and gently toss to combine. The chicken should rest on top of the pasta, so every bite is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy pasta and savory chicken.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

To finish, garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the dish hot, and get ready for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Perfect Golden Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Chicken Alternatives: While boneless, skinless chicken breast works perfectly for this dish, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Veggie Additions: To add some freshness and crunch to the dish, consider incorporating vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli into the creamy sauce.
Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce or season the chicken with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cheese Options: While Parmesan gives this dish its signature flavor, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Romano for extra cheesiness.
Make It Lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for a lighter cream or even a bit of Greek yogurt to achieve a similar creamy texture.

Why This Dish Is Perfect for Any Occasion

Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta is one of those meals that can transform any occasion into something special. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends for a casual dinner, or craving a comforting meal on a chilly night, this dish hits all the right notes.

Weeknight Dinner: This meal is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly: The mild yet flavorful seasoning of the chicken and the creamy, cheesy pasta make this dish a hit with kids and adults alike.
Special Occasions: If you’re entertaining guests, this dish has that wow factor that’ll make it feel like you spent all day preparing it (even though it only takes 45 minutes!).

Serving Suggestions

To complete your meal, consider pairing this dish with a light side salad, roasted vegetables, or even some garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. You could also serve it with a chilled glass of sparkling water or a fruity iced tea to balance the richness of the pasta and chicken.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken and pasta sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! This dish works well with any type of pasta penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to check the seasoning for any gluten-containing ingredients.

Related Recipes You May Enjoy

If you loved this Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:

Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, indulgent dish perfect for dinner. Tender, golden-brown chicken bites seasoned with garlic and spices are paired with a luscious, creamy Parmesan pasta that’s sure to satisfy every craving. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this recipe is both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Golden Garlic Chicken Bites:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until golden brown.
- Add garlic and sauté for another 1–2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Parmesan Sauce:
- Using the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce. Add the chicken bites on top. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and thyme for 30 minutes before cooking.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more texture and nutrients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: golden garlic chicken, creamy Parmesan pasta, garlic chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, pasta recipes