Cheesy Chicken Bites & Spaghetti in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

 

Creamy • Cheesy • Comforting • Family Favorite

This dish combines juicy, cheesy chicken bites with silky garlic Parmesan spaghetti — a restaurant-worthy comfort meal that comes together in under 40 minutes. Perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty, rich, and satisfying!

Ingredients

For the Cheesy Chicken Bites

• 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional but delicious)

For the Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan
• A drizzle of garlic butter from the chicken bites

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook spaghetti until al dente.
3. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Chicken Bites

1. Heat olive oil + butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes, until golden and fully cooked.
4. During the last minute, sprinkle mozzarella over the chicken and let it melt.
5. Remove chicken and set aside (keep the buttery juices in the pan!).

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic; cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir.
4. Add Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
5. Whisk until smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
6. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if you want a looser sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the garlic Parmesan sauce.
2. Toss until every strand is coated.
3. Top with cheesy chicken bites — or mix them into the pasta.

Step 5: Serve

Plate generously and garnish with:

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan
• A drizzle of garlic butter from the skillet

Creamy, cheesy heaven in every bite!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: ~820 per serving