Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta! Tender morsels of juicy chicken are cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly creamy, cheesy pasta, and scattered with fresh, bright parsley for good measure. This irresistible dinner is on the table in just 30 minutes and checks every box: it’s easy, elegant, and makes you feel like you’re enjoying a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe works its magic to build layers of flavor, color, and comfort. The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is that the ingredients are simple staples, but put together, they create a truly memorable meal.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces provide lean, tender bites that soak up the buttery sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Gives a golden start to the chicken and helps carry all the seasonings.
- Unsalted butter: Four whopping tablespoons for a rich, silky base—divided to ensure both the chicken and sauce shine.
- Garlic cloves: Don’t skimp! Five minced cloves bring bold, fragrant flavor to every bite.
- Paprika: This spice adds subtle warmth and gorgeous color to your chicken bites.
- Italian seasoning: A quick shake of dried herbs to make the chicken extra savory.
- Salt and black pepper: They wake up all the other flavors—taste as you go.
- Pasta (fettuccine or your favorite): Fettuccine is classic, but any pasta works for twirling and soaking up sauce.
- Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, providing irresistible creaminess and body.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and the perfect partner to the rich cream.
- Pasta water: Reserved from cooking your noodles, it helps magically emulsify your sauce.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle before serving brings a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by filling a large pot with water, salt it generously, and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in your fettuccine (or whichever pasta you crave) and cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Before you drain it, scoop out ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water—this will be your secret weapon for a luxuriously smooth sauce later. Set the cooked pasta and reserved water aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, toss your chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, plenty of salt, and pepper. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken—listen for the sizzle!—and cook, flipping occasionally, until the bites are golden and cooked through (about 5 to 7 minutes). Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it close for the next step.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and melt the remaining butter. Add all that glorious minced garlic and give it a quick sauté—just long enough for those inviting, buttery aromas to fill your kitchen (about 1 minute). Be careful not to let the garlic brown; you want it fragrant, not bitter!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to blend it with the garlic butter. Allow it to gently simmer—this is where that dreamy texture develops. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly as it melts into the cream, turning the sauce rich and smooth. If the sauce gets a little thick, splash in a tablespoon or two of your reserved pasta water until it’s just right for coating every noodle.
Step 5: Toss, Combine, and Finish
Add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet and toss it until every strand is coated in creamy Parmesan goodness. Return the chicken bites to the pan and stir everything together so every piece of chicken gets dressed in the sauce. Let it bubble together for another minute or two so the flavors meld, then get ready to serve up this decadent Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta miracle!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
Finish your meal with a generous shower of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh herbal note and a bit of color. If you adore a sharper bite, grate extra Parmesan cheese on top or add a pinch of cracked black pepper. For heat lovers, a few red pepper flakes add a nice spark.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta shines as a main course, but a simple green salad with a crisp lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness. Want to go all in? Serve with buttery garlic bread or roasted asparagus for extra nourishment and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Swirl the pasta onto plates with tongs for an elegant look, then arrange the chicken bites around or on top. For a family-style meal, serve everything in one big platter, letting everyone scoop up their favorites. Or, get playful and serve mini portions in ramekins as part of a dinner party spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers extra tasty for a quick lunch or dinner!
Freezing
While cream-based pastas don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. The chicken will reheat well, but the sauce may separate slightly. Stir vigorously or add a splash of cream when reheating to bring everything back together.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until everything is hot and silky again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you even juicier, more flavorful bites. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and cook until no longer pink in the center.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be a bit less rich. For a dairy-free version, try unsweetened coconut cream and vegan Parmesan-style cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main recipe is not, but it’s absolutely possible to make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta gluten-free by swapping in your favorite gluten-free pasta—everything else is naturally gluten-free!
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Toss in baby spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms just before combining the pasta and sauce. Broccoli or roasted cherry tomatoes also taste lovely stirred through the dish.
How do I prevent the sauce from clumping or getting too thick?
If your Parmesan cream sauce thickens too much, simply whisk in a bit more reserved pasta water or milk until you reach the perfect consistency. Stirring constantly when adding cheese is key to keeping it smooth and luscious.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like serving up a comforting plate of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta and seeing everyone’s eyes light up. It’s a weeknight miracle that feels like a special treat every time. Give this recipe a go and discover why it’s become a beloved favorite in so many kitchens!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This recipe combines tender garlic butter chicken bites with a creamy Parmesan pasta for a satisfying and flavorful meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken and pasta, creating a dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken and cook in skillet until browned. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, then add cream and Parmesan. Toss in pasta and chicken.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
