There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, and when you add in juicy, garlic-infused chicken bites, it becomes an instant favorite. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is the perfect balance of rich, cheesy, and garlicky flavors that come together in a dish that’s both easy and indulgent.
This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for a weekend gathering. The golden-brown chicken bites are seared in garlic butter, giving them an irresistible crispy exterior while staying juicy inside. Paired with a creamy parmesan sauce that clings to each strand of pasta, every bite is full of flavor.
What makes this dish truly special is how quickly it comes together! In just about 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash—a win for any home cook!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Magic: Less mess, fewer dishes, and all the flavors infused in one pan.
- Family Favorite: The rich, creamy sauce and tender garlic butter chicken make this a hit with both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Swap out the pasta type, adjust the seasoning, or add veggies for a twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water—this will help loosen up the sauce later. Set the cooked pasta aside.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to help it melt smoothly into the sauce. Add the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each strand in the creamy, cheesy goodness. Return the chicken bites to the pan and mix everything together. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For perfectly seared chicken, cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of browning.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan may not melt as smoothly into the sauce, so using freshly grated cheese will give the best results.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or extra cream to loosen it up.
- Add Some Veggies: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian-friendly option available (swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu)
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Leftover sauce can thicken in the fridge, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~600
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! You can use penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. Just note that the sauce may not be as thick and creamy.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the sauce may separate.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a little extra milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
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Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a perfect mix of comfort food and gourmet flavors, all in a dish that’s easy enough for any home cook. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments! What’s your favorite way to customize this dish?
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, and when you add in juicy, garlic-infused chicken bites, it becomes an instant favorite. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is the perfect balance of rich, cheesy, and garlicky flavors that come together in a dish that’s both easy and indulgent.
This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for a weekend gathering. The golden-brown chicken bites are seared in garlic butter, giving them an irresistible crispy exterior while staying juicy inside. Paired with a creamy parmesan sauce that clings to each strand of pasta, every bite is full of flavor.
What makes this dish truly special is how quickly it comes together! In just about 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes to wash—a win for any home cook!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water—this will help loosen up the sauce later. Set the cooked pasta aside.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to help it melt smoothly into the sauce. Add the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each strand in the creamy, cheesy goodness. Return the chicken bites to the pan and mix everything together. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy!
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Leftover sauce can thicken in the fridge, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.