Ingredients

Scale

🍗 For the Chicken Bites:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 egg, beaten

1 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)

🍝 For the Creamy Rotini:

8 oz rotini pasta

1 tbsp butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp black pepper

Salt, to taste

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. While pasta cooks, mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.

3. Dip each chicken piece in the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.

4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches, cooking 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.

6. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and thickened (3–5 minutes).

7. Toss in cooked rotini and stir to coat. Return chicken bites to the pan or serve on top.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Rotini can be swapped for penne, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta.

Make chicken bites in the air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.

Author: Mila Bryn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 510
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken bites, creamy rotini pasta, easy comfort food dinner, chicken and pasta skillet, weeknight chicken recipe