If you’re craving a dish that’s cozy, indulgent, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender, golden-browned chicken bites soaking up a luscious, garlicky butter sauce, then tossed with perfectly al dente pasta coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a comforting meal that feels special every time. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in making this dish shine— from the juicy chicken to the velvety sauce, right down to the fragrant garlic that ties everything together.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic heart of the dish that infuses every bite.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and silky texture to the sauce and chicken.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine: Long noodles that hold creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For that irresistible sharp and nutty bite in the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious base for the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by mincing the garlic finely and cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready makes the cooking flow smooth and ensures the garlic infuses its delicious aroma at just the right moment.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Add the chicken bites and cook them until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step creates that irresistibly savory crust that locks in the chicken’s juiciness.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, toss in the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for just about a minute until you can smell that wonderful garlicky fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic because it can quickly turn bitter.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir gently to combine. Then sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring so it melts smooth and creamy into the sauce. This step turns the skillet into a decadent sauce base that will coat every noodle and chicken bite beautifully.
Step 5: Cook and Combine the Pasta
While the sauce develops, cook your fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until just al dente—perfectly firm with a slight bite. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Adding a splash of this starchy water back into the skillet helps to loosen the sauce if needed, giving it a perfect silky consistency.
Once drained, combine the pasta directly in the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together gently so every strand of pasta is luxuriously coated with creamy garlic butter and Parmesan.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish. If you like, extra shaved Parmesan on top brings that sharp, salty flavor even more to the forefront.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or some steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus balances the meal and adds fresh textures and flavors. Garlic bread is also a classic companion to enjoy for dunking into the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the chicken bites and creamy Parmesan pasta in a large, rustic bowl that invites everyone to help themselves. If you want to impress guests, plate small nests of pasta topped with a few perfectly arranged chicken bites and a drizzle of extra sauce, finished with vibrant parsley sprigs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if needed. Freeze in a freezer-safe container without the fresh parsley garnish, and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water helps revive the sauce to its original lusciousness. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine are ideal for holding the creamy sauce, penne or rigatoni work brilliantly too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and reserve pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor in place of Parmesan.
Can I use frozen chicken for the chicken bites?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking and texture. If you must use frozen, thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and retains juiciness.
How do I know when the chicken bites are cooked through?
When cooked, the chicken bites should be golden brown outside and no longer pink inside. If you’re unsure, cut one piece in half to check—juices should run clear.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Baby spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make wonderful additions and pair nicely with the rich, garlicky sauce. Add vegetables early in the cooking process for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and elegance to your dining table with minimal fuss. Its rich flavors and smooth, creamy texture are sure to have you coming back for seconds and sharing this favorite with your loved ones. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this perfect weeknight dinner in your recipe collection!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken bites are sautéed in garlic butter and combined with a rich, creamy parmesan sauce tossed with al dente pasta. The dish offers a perfect balance of savory flavors with creamy indulgence, making it a comforting yet elegant dinner option.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients. Mince the garlic cloves and cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking.
- Cook the chicken. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Sauté garlic and season. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté for an additional minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
- Make the creamy parmesan sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then add the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook the pasta. Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine or linguine in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Garnish and serve. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add color and a fresh flavor.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce thickness and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Freshly grated parmesan is best for melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
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