If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is the ultimate solution. Tender chicken bites coated in a savory garlic butter sauce sit atop rich, creamy Parmesan pasta for the perfect balance of flavors. This dish is indulgent, easy to prepare, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This dish combines juicy chicken bites seasoned with Italian spices and a silky, creamy Parmesan pasta that’s packed with garlicky goodness. The flavors of the buttery chicken pair beautifully with the rich pasta, creating a meal that’s satisfying and utterly delicious.
Why Our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Is the Best
Our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta delivers a double dose of garlic butter flavor—first in the golden chicken bites and then in the creamy pasta. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an instant family favorite.
Ingredients Notes for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Chicken Bites
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Juicy and tender chicken pieces are the star of this dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds flavor and prevents sticking during cooking.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the rich garlic butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a bold, fragrant flavor to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a savory, herbaceous flavor to the chicken bites.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh garnish for a pop of color.
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine (or any preferred pasta): The base for the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the pasta sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with garlicky goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy, velvety sauce.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, cheesy flavor to the pasta.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Salt and pepper: Balances and enhances the flavors.
- Optional extra garlic butter: For an indulgent drizzle over the finished dish.
Ingredient Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth texture in the sauce.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet (for chicken and sauce)
- Knife and cutting board (for chopping chicken and parsley)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (for the sauce)
- Tongs (for tossing the pasta in the sauce)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This recipe comes together in a few simple steps for a rich and satisfying meal:
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook 12 oz of fettuccine (or your preferred pasta) until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken Bites
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken bites to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt 4 tablespoons butter in the same skillet.
- Add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. Remove from heat.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat and add 2 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth, bringing it to a soft simmer.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring the noodles are fully coated. Let the pasta simmer for 2-3 minutes in the sauce for full flavor absorption.
6. Assemble and Serve
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and drizzle with extra garlic butter if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the chicken bites and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter sauce for some heat.
- Lemon Zest: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or some zest to brighten the flavors.
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or turkey bites instead of chicken for a different take.
- Whole Grain Pasta: Use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta to fit dietary preferences.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs well with:
- A crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- A glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the richness.
Top Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook the chicken bites just until golden to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy due to added anti-caking agents.
- Save pasta water: Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Season at each step: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Work quickly: Have all ingredients prepped and ready to keep the process smooth and efficient.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten suggests using good-quality butter and Parmesan for maximum flavor in cream-based sauces.
- Gordon Ramsay recommends cooking pasta just shy of al dente so it absorbs the sauce perfectly.
- Nigella Lawson emphasizes not skimping on garlic for recipes where it’s the star.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be tossed in the garlic butter sauce to warm and coat it.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and reheat them when ready to serve.
3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner. Add more Parmesan or a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
4. What pasta works best?
Fettuccine is classic, but spaghetti, linguine, or even penne works well too.
5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta is comfort food at its finest. With its rich, savory flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- – 1 lb chicken breasts boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- – 2 tablespoons olive oil
- – 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- – 4 cloves garlic minced
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- – Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Pasta:
- – 12 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- – 2 tablespoons butter
- – 2 cloves garlic minced
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- – 1/2 cup chicken broth
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – Extra garlic butter optional, for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, melt the butter in the same pan, and sauté the minced garlic briefly until fragrant. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and coat evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Make the Parmesan Sauce: In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly. Gradually add the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a soft simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring even coverage.
- Assemble the Dish: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle extra garlic butter if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dish warm and enjoy the rich, creamy, and savory flavors!
Notes
- For added flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Customize the dish by adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
