Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites With Creamy Rotini
Tender garlic-Parmesan chicken bites meet creamy, cheesy rotini in this family-favorite skillet dinner that’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken cut into bite-size chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder optional
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese for coating
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 –5 garlic cloves minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Boil rotini in salted water until al dente (8–10 min). Reserve 1 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Toss chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder (optional), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp Parmesan.
- Sear chicken in batches over medium-high heat, 3–4 min per side, until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In same skillet, lower heat, melt butter, and sauté garlic for 1–2 min until fragrant.
- Add cream and broth. Simmer 3–5 min. Stir in mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan until smooth. Season to taste.
- Add rotini and chicken to sauce. Toss gently. Add pasta water if needed to loosen.
- Top with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.