Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini

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Crispy, seasoned chicken bites nestled next to a velvety bed of creamy rotini pasta—this dish is the definition of comfort food with a flavor-forward punch. It balances the boldness of garlic and Parmesan with the mild richness of cream sauce, giving you a complete dinner that feels indulgent but comes together easily.

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this combo delivers both texture and taste. The chicken is seared for a golden crust, while the pasta sauce clings to every twist of rotini, making each bite irresistibly creamy and cheesy.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most straightforward choice here. They’re easy to cube and quick to cook. But if you prefer a juicier bite, boneless thighs work great too—just be sure to trim excess fat. The seasoning will cling beautifully to either cut.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini

Chicken Breasts or Thighs
Essential for the protein base. They’re diced small so they sear fast and soak up the garlic-Parmesan coating.

Rotini Pasta
The spiral shape captures every bit of the creamy cheese sauce. A great alternative would be penne or fusilli.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds the nutty depth and helps thicken the pasta sauce as it melts. Use fresh grated for the best melt and taste.

Garlic (Fresh or Powder)
Garlic brings the core flavor, both in the chicken seasoning and the pasta sauce. Go fresh for a stronger punch.

Heavy Cream
Makes the sauce rich and smooth. You can swap in half-and-half for a lighter finish.

Butter
Used for sautéing garlic and enriching the sauce.

Olive Oil
Helps in searing the chicken evenly and gives the exterior a crisp, golden finish.

Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning
The trio that rounds out the savory profile. Add chili flakes if you want heat.

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How To Make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut your chicken into small bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked—about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rotini

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine

Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. If it gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Add the cooked rotini and stir until well coated in the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet and toss gently with the pasta or serve them on the side as pictured. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper on top before serving.

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Serving and Storing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini

Serve this dish warm, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. If you’re prepping ahead, store the pasta and chicken separately to keep textures at their best. Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. The chicken can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain its crisp edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be as bold. Searing raw chicken with spices gives a richer, more integrated taste.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk with a teaspoon of flour can work, though the sauce may be thinner.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free rotini and double-check all seasoning blends for hidden gluten.

What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago are excellent alternatives that still give a sharp, savory profile.

How do I keep the sauce from clumping?

Add the cheese gradually and stir constantly. Use freshly grated cheese to help it melt smoothly.

Is this freezer-friendly?

The chicken freezes well, but creamy sauces can separate. If freezing, do so with just the chicken and make the pasta fresh.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta, which leans heartier but keeps that creamy, cheesy feel. Or try the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta if you’re looking to add a little heat to your weeknight meal.

For something with a baked twist, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti layers flavor in every forkful. The Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli offers a veggie-packed, one-pan option. And if you’re up for beef, the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce echoes this dish’s creamy base with a meaty turn.

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go with chicken breast or thigh? Did you spice it up? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others serve it.

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