Rich, comforting, and irresistibly creamy, these garlic parmesan chicken bites pair perfectly with cheesy twisted pasta for a hearty, satisfying meal. Juicy chicken bites are coated in a savory garlic-parmesan sauce made with heavy cream, butter, and fresh herbs, creating a smooth, velvety texture that clings to every bite. The twisted pasta locks in all that cheesy goodness, making each forkful extra flavorful. Ready in under 35 minutes, this dish works beautifully for quick dinners or cozy weekend meals.
The creamy sauce wraps around tender chicken bites and perfectly cooked pasta, giving you a rich combination of cheesy, garlicky flavors in every bite. Parmesan melts into the sauce, while fresh garlic adds depth and aroma. Twisted pasta holds the sauce beautifully, making the texture even more satisfying. Serve it with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and fresh parsley for a simple yet indulgent finish. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prepping creamy comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These creamy garlic parmesan chicken bites with cheesy twisted pasta are hearty, flavorful, and quick to prepare. The silky Parmesan sauce, loaded with fresh garlic and herbs, coats the pasta and chicken bites beautifully, making every bite rich and comforting.
You can customize it by adding spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth. Swap the chicken bites for shrimp or grilled veggies if you want variety. Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites and Sauce:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini, fusilli, or gemelli)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil twisted pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites
Season chicken bites with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken bites for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Add parmesan and cook on low heat until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta and mozzarella into the sauce, stirring until cheesy and well-coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.
5. Finish and Serve
Return chicken bites to the skillet, toss gently to coat with the sauce, and garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving hot.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Cheesy Twisted Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites and Sauce:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz twisted pasta rotini, fusilli, or gemelli
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook twisted pasta until al dente.
- Season and sear chicken bites until golden.
- Make creamy garlic parmesan sauce in the same skillet.
- Toss pasta and mozzarella into the sauce.
- Add chicken bites, garnish, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Extra cheesy: Mix in provolone or Gouda for a deeper flavor.
- Veggie boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the sauce.
- Protein swap: Replace chicken bites with shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
- Make-ahead: Prepare sauce and pasta separately, then combine before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy pasta with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water complements the richness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
These creamy garlic parmesan chicken bites with cheesy twisted pasta are rich, flavorful, and quick to prepare. It turns an ordinary dinner into a comforting meal without much effort, making it ideal for both casual nights and special occasions.
