Irresistible Golden Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Crispy golden garlic chicken bites dance atop a luscious bed of parmesan-kissed pasta.

Aromas of roasted garlic and melted cheese will instantly spark hunger pangs.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that pack serious flavor.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients transforming into restaurant-quality meals within minutes.

Tender chicken pieces coated in golden, garlicky goodness promise pure comfort.

Perfectly seasoned morsels promise a delightful culinary adventure you can easily create.

Let’s uncover the magic of this irresistible recipe that’ll become your new dinner champion.

Everything You Need For Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken: Tender meat diced into uniform bite-sized cubes for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Garlic Cloves: Finely minced to release robust, aromatic essence and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the chicken's natural flavors and create depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the final dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides the perfect base for searing chicken and creating a golden exterior.
• Butter: Creates a silky, rich base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Develops a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, creating a velvety and rich pasta coating.
• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds bright, zesty notes and fresh herbal complexity to the final dish.

• Pasta: Serves as the foundation of the creamy, flavorful dish.

How To Make Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Slice chicken into neat, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and maximize flavor absorption.

Step 2: Chop Garlic

Finely mince garlic cloves to release their intense aroma and distribute evenly throughout the dish.

Step 3: Season Protein

Generously coat chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, massaging spices deeply into the meat.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Surface

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and releases a fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Sear Chicken Pieces

Carefully place chicken cubes in a single layer across the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Cook Chicken

Stir chicken occasionally, cooking for 6-8 minutes until pieces turn crisp with a rich, caramelized exterior and juicy interior.

Step 7: Add Garlic Burst

During the final minute of cooking, sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet, letting it turn golden and release its aromatic essence.

Step 8: Prepare Pasta

Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil and cook pasta until it reaches perfect al dente texture.

Step 9: Create Sauce Base

Lower skillet heat and add butter, creating a silky foundation for the upcoming creamy sauce.

Step 10: Build Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Pour cream into the skillet, whisking continuously while incorporating grated parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and luxurious.

Step 11: Combine Pasta

Drain pasta and transfer directly into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat with the velvety parmesan sauce.

Step 12: Incorporate Chicken

Gently fold golden garlic chicken pieces into the pasta, ensuring an even distribution of proteins and flavors.

Step 13: Garnish and Finish

• Fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon zest

Sprinkle these bright ingredients over the dish to add zesty, vibrant notes.

Step 14: Final Touch

Squeeze fresh lemon juice across the pasta just before serving to elevate the rich, creamy flavors with a citrusy lift.

Top Tips For Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Perfectly Dice Chicken: Cut chicken into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to guarantee consistent cooking and maximize flavor absorption throughout the dish.
• Maximize Garlic Flavor: Mince garlic super fine and add during the last cooking minute to prevent burning while releasing its most intense aromatic qualities.
• Season Like a Pro: Generously massage salt and black pepper directly into chicken pieces, ensuring deep spice penetration and robust taste in every bite.
• Create Golden Caramelization: Arrange chicken cubes in a single layer during searing to develop rich, golden-brown exteriors without steaming the meat, creating incredible texture and color.
• Elevate Sauce Creaminess: Whisk parmesan cheese slowly into heavy cream over reduced heat, creating a silky, luxurious sauce that perfectly coats pasta and chicken with rich, velvety smoothness.

Ways To Mix Up Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Vegetarian Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Replace chicken with crispy tofu cubes or roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Plate: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta, keeping the creamy parmesan sauce and garlic chicken method intact.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and red pepper flakes for a bolder Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile while preserving the core cooking technique.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles instead of traditional pasta, maintaining the rich garlic chicken and parmesan cream sauce for a carb-conscious meal.

Perfect Pairings For Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Savor Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay with buttery undertones to complement the creamy parmesan sauce and balance the rich chicken flavors.
• Zesty Herb Accent: Sprinkle fresh basil or thyme alongside the dish to enhance the garlic's aromatic profile and add a bright herbal note to each bite.
• Bright Side Kick: Serve a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the pasta's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy texture.
• Texture Contrast: Add toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs on top to introduce a delightful crunch that elevates the smooth pasta and tender chicken experience.

Storage Tips For Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Transfer leftover chicken pasta to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor profile.
• Pack the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring optimal taste and texture when stored properly.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta FAQs

• What ingredients make the garlic chicken pasta sauce creamy?

Heavy cream and parmesan cheese create the rich, velvety sauce. The cream provides smoothness while parmesan adds depth and cheesy flavor, resulting in a luxurious coating for the pasta.

• How do I ensure my chicken is perfectly cooked?

Cook chicken in a single layer over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The golden-brown exterior indicates proper caramelization and doneness, keeping the inside tender and juicy.

• Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Yes, control heat by adding red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch for mild warmth, or increase quantity for more intense spiciness. You can always add more, but can’t remove once mixed.

Why Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta Are So Good

• Savor Speedy Preparation: This recipe offers a quick and straightforward cooking process that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal in minutes.
• Master Flavor-Packed Technique: By searing chicken to golden perfection and creating a creamy parmesan sauce, home cooks can elevate their culinary skills with professional-level results.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow for personal twists, like adding vegetables or swapping proteins, making this dish adaptable to individual tastes and pantry contents.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta creates a universally appealing meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, comforting flavors.

Golden Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible golden garlic chicken bites elevate classic pasta with Mediterranean flair. Crispy, herb-infused chicken nestles perfectly over silky parmesan noodles, promising a quick gourmet meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Flavoring:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter

Garnish and Additional Flavor:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 lemon (for zest and juice)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Dice chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
2. Mince garlic cloves finely to release their robust, aromatic essence and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
3. Season chicken pieces thoroughly with salt and black pepper, massaging the spices into the meat for deep flavor penetration.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and fragrant, creating the perfect searing environment.
5. Add chicken cubes to the hot skillet, arranging them in a single layer to achieve golden-brown caramelization and prevent steaming.
6. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pieces are crisp and develop a rich, golden exterior with juicy interior.
7. Toss minced garlic into the skillet during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to become golden and intensely aromatic without burning.
8. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
9. In the same skillet after removing chicken, reduce heat and add butter, creating a silky base for the creamy sauce.
10. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats the pan.
11. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and integrated, creating a velvety, rich pasta coating.
12. Drain pasta and immediately transfer to the skillet, tossing to coat completely with the creamy parmesan sauce.
13. Gently fold golden garlic chicken bites into the pasta, ensuring even distribution of proteins and flavors.
14. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and freshly grated lemon zest over the top for bright, zesty notes.
15. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving to add a vibrant, citrusy lift to the rich, creamy pasta.

Notes

• Make chicken cuts super uniform to guarantee consistent cooking and help each bite absorb maximum flavor intensity.
• Crush garlic cloves with the side of your knife before mincing to release more essential oils and enhance overall aromatic profile.
• Pat chicken pieces completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown caramelization and prevent unwanted moisture during searing.
• Utilize high-heat cooking technique to develop delicious crispy exterior while maintaining succulent chicken interior, creating restaurant-quality results at home.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg