There's nothing quite like the mouthwatering aroma of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta filling your kitchen. This delightful dish features tender, golden-brown chicken bites tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, perfectly complemented by a luscious Parmesan-infused pasta. It's a crowd-pleaser that's as easy to make as it is delicious.
I first whipped up this recipe on a whim, needing a quick yet satisfying dinner for my family. What started as a simple experiment quickly became a regular request at our dinner table. Ready to bring this winner to your kitchen? Let’s dive into the details.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite comfort meal. This dish offers the perfect balance of flavor, simplicity, and versatility.
First, the chicken bites are irresistible. Seasoned with just the right amount of spices and seared to golden perfection, they deliver a delightful crunch with every bite, while remaining juicy on the inside.
Then there's the pasta. Coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s rich, velvety, and satisfying without being overly heavy. The garlic butter sauce seeps into every strand, ensuring bold, comforting flavors in every forkful.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for those evenings when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
And did we mention it’s budget-friendly? You can make this restaurant-quality meal using affordable, everyday ingredients. Plus, it’s highly adaptable to what you have on hand or any dietary preferences you follow.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor that make this recipe unforgettable.
Chicken breasts or thighs are the star of the show. I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. They cook quickly and develop a beautiful crust when seared. Thighs work too if you prefer a richer flavor.
Butter and garlic create the base for the chicken bites’ irresistible coating. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, and fresh garlic for the boldest flavor. Minced garlic cloves will release their aroma beautifully as they cook in the butter.
Pasta is the hearty backbone of the dish. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work well. Their textures hold the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese form the heart of the sauce. The heavy cream adds richness, while freshly grated Parmesan brings a nutty, salty kick. Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly, so grating your own is worth the effort.
You’ll also need basic pantry staples like olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, along with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How To Make This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Creating this delectable dish is simpler than you might expect. Follow these steps for a guaranteed success:
Start by preparing the chicken bites. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden-brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell aromatic but not bitter. Add the chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
Meanwhile, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining the rest.
To make the sauce, return the skillet to medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and a splash of the reserved pasta water, stirring to combine. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. Stir in the chicken bites, ensuring they’re well distributed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
From start to finish, this recipe should take around 35-40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight treat or an impressive dinner party dish.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores wonderfully. Transfer cooled portions into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
Reheating is simple. Add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta before warming it in a skillet over low heat. This prevents the sauce from drying out and keeps the flavors vibrant.
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce, which may separate upon thawing. However, the chicken bites alone can be frozen for up to three months and used in other recipes.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
Swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian twist. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Try different cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan for a unique flavor profile.
Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or a dash of cayenne to the chicken seasoning.
For a healthier twist, use whole wheat pasta and replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream.
If you’re gluten-free, swap the pasta for a certified gluten-free option. Ensure any seasoning blends are also gluten-free.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is endlessly customizable, so don’t hesitate to experiment. It’s a dish that’s sure to delight no matter how you make it!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe combines juicy, tender chicken bites with a creamy, cheesy Parmesan pasta for an irresistible dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until coated. Return chicken bites to the skillet and mix with the pasta.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
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