Gather around, friends, because I’ve got a delightful dish to share that’s sure to become a family favorite. Imagine a crisp fall evening, the aroma of something delicious wafting through your home, calling everyone to the table. That’s exactly what these Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Four-Cheese Spaghetti do. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for bringing families together after a long day, and it’s one that my own family can’t get enough of. This dish encapsulates everything I love about cooking: it’s comforting, satisfying, and, best of all, it creates moments of connection around the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults. The crispy chicken bites are fun to eat, and the creamy spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy together.
- Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of just 40 minutes, it’s a breeze to prepare, even on busy weeknights. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something special.
- Rich and Decadent: The combination of four cheeses makes the spaghetti rich and creamy, offering a luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
- Accessible Ingredients: You probably already have most of these items in your pantry and fridge, making this a convenient and budget-friendly option.
- Versatile: You can customize the recipe easily. Add your favorite herbs or tweak the cheese blend to suit your family’s taste.
The Recipe
Prep time: 15 min | Cook time: 25 min | Total time: 40 min | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Provolone cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the Cheeses: Lower the heat and add the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheeses to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the cheese sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until each piece is generously coated.
- Final Touches: Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if you like a bit of color and freshness.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Pot: For boiling the spaghetti.
- Large Skillet: To cook the chicken and make the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce and combining the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Spaghetti: A staple that forms the base of our dish. Its neutral flavor allows the creamy sauce to shine.
- Chicken: Provides protein and a satisfying texture that complements the creamy pasta.
- Olive Oil and Butter: These fats are essential for cooking the chicken and adding flavor to the sauce.
- Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that enhance the depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory notes to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream and Cream Cheese: Create a luxurious and creamy sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.
- Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Provolone: A quartet of cheeses that blend together for a complex and deliciously cheesy flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of the dish.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.
What to Serve With This Dish
This dish is quite rich, so I like to serve it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors. A side of garlic bread is also a great addition, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. If you’re in the mood for something extra, try pairing it with my Roasted Vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to the pasta before warming it gently on the stove or in the microwave. This will help to maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce. For more storage tips, check out my Guide to Meal Prep for practical advice.
Cooking is all about creating memories and enjoying the process, and I hope this recipe helps you do just that. These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Four-Cheese Spaghetti are more than just a meal; they’re an invitation to gather loved ones and make every dinner special. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Four-Cheese Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add the diced onion to the same skillet and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour in the broth and heavy cream, stirring and simmering until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add cubed cream cheese and shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until each piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.