If you are looking for a dish that combines comfort food vibes with a touch of elegance, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. Picture bite-sized chicken bursting with garlicky, buttery goodness, nestled atop a bed of silky, cheesy pasta that’s rich without feeling heavy. It’s one of those recipes that effortlessly turns a busy weeknight into a flavorful celebration, leaving you with a plate full of cozy satisfaction and a smile that says, “I nailed dinner.” Whether you’re craving something quick yet decadent or want to impress without stress, this recipe has got your back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in its simple ingredients that each play a vital role. From the tender chicken bites expertly seasoned to the creamy Parmesan pasta that wraps everything in a smooth embrace, every element works in harmony to create a dish that’s both tasty and inviting.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into 1-inch pieces for quick, even cooking and perfect bite sizes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds deep savory undertones to the chicken seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a gentle smoky note and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a healthy, flavorful sear on the chicken bites.
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for pasta): Infuses richness and that irresistible velvety texture in both components.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (plus 2 cloves for pasta): The star aromatic that elevates the dish with pungency and warmth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds fresh color and a subtle herbal brightness.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice: The base that soaks up the luscious sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, decadent sauce that binds everything together.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For that nutty, salty creaminess that defines the pasta’s flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a little heat teasing your palate.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This is crucial to give the pasta flavor right from the start. Cook your fettuccine or favorite pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, which means just tender with a slight bite—perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Once drained, set it aside but don’t rinse; the starches clinging to the pasta help the sauce stick better.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices provide a wonderful foundational flavor that gets enhanced as you cook. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken in a single layer. Let them sizzle and brown evenly, turning occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through—there’s nothing like the aroma of perfectly seared chicken. Then reduce the heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic, stirring to coat every bite in that luscious garlicky butter. After a couple of minutes when the garlic aroma becomes irresistible, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté your minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant but not browned—this ensures a delicate garlicky backbone for your sauce. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, which helps the cream thicken slightly while staying smooth. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese steadily until melted into a velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste and, if you love a subtle peppery kick, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes now. This sauce is your pasta’s best friend, enveloping every strand in cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Now, add the cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce and toss everything well so each bite of pasta is richly coated. The magic happens when you plate the creamy pasta and top it with those irresistible garlic butter chicken bites—each chicken piece bursting with flavor alongside the smoothness of the Parmesan pasta.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. Don’t hesitate to throw on extra Parmesan cheese for a stronger cheesy punch and a beautiful presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added texture and nutrition. A crusty garlic bread makes a delightful companion if you want to make it an even heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner party look, plate the pasta in neat nests and top with the chicken bites artistically scattered around. Drizzle some of the leftover garlic butter from the pan over the top for extra shine and aroma. Serving in shallow white bowls really makes the creamy sauce and golden chicken pop visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to separate the chicken and pasta if you can to help retain texture and prevent the pasta from soaking up too much sauce and becoming mushy.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce’s texture might change slightly upon freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Place the chicken bites and creamy pasta in a freezer-safe container with a tight lid, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much. This will restore the luscious creaminess and ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is classic for creamy sauces, any pasta shape like penne, linguine, or even rigatoni will work great and hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based cream along with a vegan Parmesan alternative to keep it creamy and flavorful.
Can I bake the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
You can, but skillet cooking gives you that lovely sear and garlicky butter coating that’s signature to this recipe. Baking will be more hands-off but may lack the caramelized flavor developed by sautéing in butter and garlic.
What can I do to make this recipe spicier?
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken or stirring the sauce. Fresh chili slices can also be tossed in while cooking for some lively heat.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together after cooking?
Make sure to salt your cooking water well and toss the drained pasta immediately with a bit of butter or olive oil before adding the sauce. This keeps the strands separate and silky.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe truly taps into the comfort food category without any fuss, delivering flavors that delight and textures that satisfy. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a quiet night in or to share with friends. So grab your skillet, gather those simple yet flavorful ingredients, and dive into a plate of pure joy—you absolutely deserve it!
Print
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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delicious weeknight meal featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter, served over rich and creamy Parmesan-coated pasta. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, it’s an American classic that’s hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Garlic Butter Chicken: Reduce the heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, deglaze the chicken pan with a splash of white wine before adding garlic.
- You can substitute pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes according to taste for a bit of heat.
