If you are looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken bites sauteed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with rich, velvety Parmesan-coated pasta. It’s one of those recipes that hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and impressively simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this combination is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, but each one plays a special role in building layers of deliciousness—from the fragrant garlic and creamy Parmesan to the perfectly seasoned chicken that makes every bite unforgettable.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a light, fruity base to help brown the chicken beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Adds richness and depth to both the chicken and the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Gives the dish its signature aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the savory profile without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and gorgeous color to the chicken bites.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning every component.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti: Your creamy Parmesan pasta’s perfect canvas—choose your favorite shape.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious sauce that coats the pasta.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a tangy, nutty richness that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Enhances flavor and adds moisture to the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of freshness and color to finish the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a gentle kick of heat.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a secret weapon that helps adjust the sauce’s consistency later on for a perfect finish.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, toss your chicken bites with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning blend ensures each bite will burst with flavor after cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken Bites
Heat the olive oil and half of the butter (2 tablespoons) over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside so we can build the sauce in the same pan.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter along with the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden—this step fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Then pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those flavorful browned bits.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Add your heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky smooth. At this point, add the cooked pasta and toss well to ensure every strand is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it to your liking.
Step 6: Finish with Chicken and Serve
Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together one more time, letting the flavors meld for a couple of minutes as the chicken warms through. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if you want a little extra zing. Your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley brings a bright hint of freshness that contrasts the richness of this dish. For a touch of color and an optional kick, red pepper flakes are fabulous. If you want to add a slight zest, a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving wakes up all the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own thanks to its creamy sauce and protein-packed chicken, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce—the ultimate comfort pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe in small shallow bowls for individual portions, topped with a sprig of parsley and a parmesan crisp for texture. Alternatively, pile it high on large family-style platters to encourage sharing and conversation around the table.
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. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but the pasta’s texture might change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store the chicken bites and pasta sauce separately if possible, then combine and gently reheat for best results. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out the chicken and pasta.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here and add a bit more juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed, making sure the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk combined with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. Keep in mind the sauce might not be as rich, but the dish will still be delicious.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative. Just be sure to check that your chicken broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep the dish safe and tasty.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild to moderate heat depending on how much you sprinkle in. They’re completely optional, so feel free to adjust according to your heat preference or leave them out altogether.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can season the chicken bites and even cook the pasta in advance. Store them separately and finish the sauce and combine everything when you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is like inviting a little bit of comfort and joy into your kitchen. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to impress guests without stress. Once you taste the marriage of garlicky chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta, you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again. So go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve a meal as satisfying and delicious as this!
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
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken pieces sautéed to golden perfection and tossed with fettuccine in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with classic Italian seasoning to deliver a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (remaining)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly to ensure flavor throughout.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits that add flavor. Then add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan and Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss well to coat all strands with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta with rotini, penne, or any other favorite type.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of white wine to the sauce during simmering.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
