If you’re craving something truly comforting, flavorful, and downright irresistible, the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is just what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken bites bathed in garlic butter alongside a luxuriously creamy Parmesan pasta that clings perfectly to every forkful. It’s a lovely marriage of simple ingredients that transform into a mouthwatering meal that feels both homemade and special—truly a winner for weeknights or when feeding friends. Trust me, once you dive into this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite for busy nights and cozy dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe plays a vital role, balancing flavors and textures to create a harmonious and satisfying plate. From the savory, garlicky chicken to the creamy, cheesy pasta sauce, these simple staples work together in delicious synergy.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a light, fruity note and helps golden the chicken perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Brings richness and a silky finish for both chicken and pasta.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor that infuses both components with aromatic depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors evenly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spicy warmth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Provides color and a mild smoky note to the chicken bites.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Optional, but freshens the dish with a touch of green and brightness.
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice): A perfect canvas for the luscious Parmesan sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Ensures the sauce is creamy and indulgent.
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp umami and a lovely nutty flavor to the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds subtle herbal complexity to the pasta sauce.
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency while tying everything together.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken Bites
Begin by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika to ensure each piece is well-seasoned. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning once until it blossoms into a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through. Next, stir in butter and minced garlic, letting that irresistible aroma fill your kitchen while coating the chicken beautifully. After 1 to 2 minutes of this tasty finish, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in well-salted water until it reaches al dente perfection according to package instructions. Before draining, scoop out a bit of that starchy pasta water—this magic liquid will help give your sauce the perfect silkiness and help it cling to the noodles.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and then add garlic, letting it cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let this sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, thickening to a luscious consistency that feels like a warm hug for your pasta.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss your cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and ensure every bite is perfectly coated. This step is key for that silky, luscious texture that makes this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe truly melt-in-your-mouth good.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it generously with the garlicky chicken bites. Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a dash of fresh flavor to bring the dish alive.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the plate and adds a hint of herbaceous freshness to balance the richness. For a little extra zing, try a squeeze of lemon juice or a dusting of red pepper flakes to give those buttery chicken bites a subtle spicy kick.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty dish with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Their natural crunch and fresh flavors contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try plating the creamy Parmesan pasta in shallow bowls and nestling the garlic butter chicken bites on top. Or layer it in glass jars for a picnic-friendly presentation. You can also toss spinach into the pasta at the very end of cooking for an extra pop of color and nutrition. Presentation is all about making this already delightful dish feel just that much more inviting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken bites will remain tender, and the creamy pasta will keep its luscious texture if reheated gently.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chicken bites separately once cooled, wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. Creamy pasta tends to lose its silky texture after freezing, so it’s better to freeze the components separately and reheat them carefully.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the chicken bites in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep them juicy. For the pasta, add a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water as you gently warm it in a pan to revive its creamy consistency without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne are wonderful choices for holding the creamy Parmesan sauce, any pasta shape you love will work well in this recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, though it will be less rich—just remember to adjust seasoning to keep the flavor vibrant. Adding some sautéed vegetables can also add bulk and nutrients without extra calories.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and be sure to check your Parmesan cheese and seasonings for any hidden gluten-containing ingredients.
How do I get the chicken bites extra crispy?
Make sure your skillet and oil are hot before adding chicken, and avoid crowding the pan, so the pieces sear nicely instead of steaming. Patting the chicken dry before seasoning also helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Can I add veggies to the pasta?
Yes! Stirring in spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms at the end of cooking will boost the nutrition and add lovely texture and color without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a true gem—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re treating yourself on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at your next dinner, this dish hits every note. Give it a try, and I promise it will win a cozy spot in your recipe rotation before long.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe features tender chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter, served over rich and silky Parmesan-infused pasta. It’s an easy stovetop meal combining classic American-Italian flavors, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed to loosen sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika to season evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add Garlic Butter to Chicken: Reduce heat slightly and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the butter melts, infusing flavor into the chicken. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest thoroughly.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a clean large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top generously with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately for a rich, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or sprinkle red pepper flakes to the chicken or pasta for brightness or extra heat.
- For a veggie boost, stir fresh spinach into the creamy pasta sauce just before combining with the pasta, allowing it to wilt gently.
- Use gluten-free pasta if desired to adapt recipe for gluten sensitivity.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent the cream sauce from breaking.
