Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Farfalle
Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Farfalle is a comforting, creamy pasta dinner loaded with golden chicken, tender farfalle and a rich Parmesan garlic sauce. The chicken bites are seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs, browned until golden, then tossed through silky pasta for an easy family-friendly meal.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Farfalle
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Farfalle brings together everything you want from a cosy weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken pieces, buttery garlic, creamy Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked bow-tie pasta create a satisfying combination that’s simple to make in one skillet.
- Comforting and creamy: Parmesan and heavy cream create a smooth, rich sauce.
- Protein-packed: Tender chicken bites make this pasta especially satisfying.
- Full of flavour: Garlic, paprika and Italian seasoning add plenty of savoury flavour.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Everything comes together in about 40 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Creamy pasta and golden chicken make an easy combination everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
- 700 g (1½ lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Farfalle
- 350 g (12 oz) farfalle pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Farfalle
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper.
Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
3. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning as needed, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Add the Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet.
Cook for about 1 minute, tossing the chicken through the garlic butter so every piece is coated. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
5. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until creamy.
6. Add the Farfalle
Add the cooked farfalle to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
7. Add the Chicken
Return the golden chicken bites to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, allowing the chicken to warm through and become coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
8. Finish and Serve
Sprinkle the pasta with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy, the pasta is warm and the chicken is golden and tender.
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Farfalle
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer so it can brown properly.
- Reserve the pasta water: A splash of starchy pasta water can help loosen the sauce and make it glossy.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer: This helps create a smooth creamy consistency.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts smoothly into the cream sauce.
- Serve immediately: Creamy pasta is at its best while the sauce is warm and silky.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Farfalle is satisfying enough to serve as a complete meal on its own.
For a fresh contrast, serve it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables or roasted vegetables. A little extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley also make a lovely finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Farfalle works especially well because its shape holds onto the creamy sauce, but other pasta shapes can also be used.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used if preferred. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook until completely cooked through.
What if my Parmesan sauce is too thick?
Add a small splash of the reserved pasta water and toss the pasta gently. Continue adding a little at a time until the sauce reaches the consistency you prefer.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and smooth. If reheating leftovers, a small splash of water or cream can help loosen the sauce.
Nutrition & Timing
| Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | Approx. 680 per serving |
| Protein | 48 g per serving |
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Farfalle is the kind of comforting dinner that feels special without being complicated. Golden chicken bites, buttery garlic, creamy Parmesan sauce and tender farfalle come together in one rich and satisfying dish.
Finish it with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve straight away for the best creamy texture and flavour.
Print
Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Farfalle
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Farfalle is a comforting, creamy pasta dinner loaded with golden chicken, tender farfalle and a rich Parmesan garlic sauce. The chicken bites are seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs, browned until golden, then tossed through silky pasta for an easy family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
700 g (1½ lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
350 g (12 oz) farfalle pasta
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning as needed, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet.
Cook for about 1 minute, tossing the chicken through the garlic butter so every piece is coated. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Using the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until creamy.
Add the cooked farfalle to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
Return the golden chicken bites to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, allowing the chicken to warm through and become coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Sprinkle the pasta with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy, the pasta is warm and the chicken is golden and tender.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in a single layer so it can brown properly.
Reserve the pasta water because a splash of starchy pasta water can help loosen the sauce and make it glossy.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to help create a smooth creamy consistency.
Use freshly grated Parmesan so it melts smoothly into the cream sauce.
Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and silky.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
