Go Back
Adam

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini – A Comforting, Cheesy, Irresistible Weeknight Meal

If you love rich, creamy pasta with juicy chicken and bold garlic flavor, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini will instantly become one of your favorite cozy dinners. It combines tender golden chicken bites seasoned with garlic and paprika, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked rotini that holds onto every drop of flavor. This dish is everything comfort food should be — creamy, cheesy, buttery, garlicky, and completely satisfying. The chicken sears quickly until golden and slightly crispy thanks to a light breadcrumb coating, while fresh garlic fills the kitchen with warm aroma. The sauce comes together in minutes using butter, heavy cream, garlic, and plenty of Parmesan, creating a silky texture that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s a fast, weeknight-friendly recipe that tastes restaurant-quality without complicated steps. Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and huge flavor — that’s why this recipe is perfect for busy nights, family meals, or anytime you want a cozy bowl of pasta. Creamy. Garlicky. Cheesy. An instant comfort classic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
Adem Recipes Daily Icon

Adem Recipes Daily App 🍽️

Discover more than 1700+ delicious recipes you can cook at home. Easy, step-by-step instructions with new recipes added every day.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon Coming Soon
Adem Recipes Daily Preview

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
Fresh Ingredients
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
Dry Seasonings
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
Breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Pasta
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
Oil & Butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
Cream Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Adem Recipes Daily Icon

Adem Recipes Daily App

Discover more than 1700+ delicious recipes you can cook at home. Easy, step-by-step instructions with new recipes added every day.

Download on the App Store
Google Play Coming Soon Coming Soon
Adem Recipes Daily Preview

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium pot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Strainer/colander
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Wooden spoon
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Rotini
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
  3. Drain and set aside — reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
  1. In a mixing bowl, toss chicken chunks with:
  2. Garlic powder
  3. Paprika
  4. Salt
  5. Black pepper
  6. Panko breadcrumbs
  7. Mix until chicken is lightly coated.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken in a single layer.
  3. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
  4. Golden
  5. Crispy
  6. Fully cooked through
  7. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
  4. Add:
  5. Parmesan cheese
  6. A pinch of black pepper
  7. Whisk until creamy and thick.
  8. If sauce becomes too thick, add pasta water a little at a time.
Step 5: Combine
  1. Add cooked rotini into the sauce.
  2. Stir to coat every spiral of pasta.
  3. Add chicken bites back into the skillet.
  4. Mix until everything is covered in silky, creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh black pepper on top.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Freezer
Not recommended — cream sauces change texture.
Reheating
Stovetop: Add splash of milk or water, heat gently
Microwave: 1–2 minutes, stir halfway
🥄 Variations
1. Spicy Chicken Rotini
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the chicken.
2. Herb Lover’s Version
Add parsley, basil, or thyme to the sauce.
3. Extra Creamy Version
Add ¼ cup cream cheese into the sauce.
4. Crunchy Chicken Upgrade
Double-coat chicken in panko for extra crispiness.
5. Veggie Boost
Mix in:
Spinach
Broccoli
Mushrooms
6. Lightened-Up Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
7. Lemon Garlic Version
Add 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes — penne, farfalle, fusilli, and rigatoni all work.
2. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes — they stay juicier than chicken breasts.
3. Can I make it less creamy?
Use less cream or mix in chicken broth.
4. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated melts better, but pre-grated works too.
5. Can I prep the chicken ahead?
Yes — store seasoned chicken in fridge for 24 hours.
6. Why is my sauce too thick?
Add pasta water to loosen it.
7. Why is the sauce grainy?
Heat too high can separate the cheese; use medium heat.
8. Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Yes, but they add a light crisp to the chicken.
9. Is this kid-friendly?
Very — it’s cheesy, creamy, and not spicy.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — perfect for feeding a crowd.
🏁 Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini recipe is everything you want in a cozy comfort meal — juicy chicken, rich garlic flavor, velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and pasta spirals that hold onto every drop of deliciousness. It’s warm, hearty, satisfying, and easy enough for any weeknight.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or craving something indulgent and homemade, this dish always delivers. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and an incredibly flavorful result — this is comfort food done right.
Creamy. Cheesy. Garlicky.
The perfect pasta bowl every time.