There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that’s packed with flavors and textures that everyone loves. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese is one of those dishes that brings people together, no matter the occasion. I remember the first time I made this dish for a family dinner the kitchen was filled with the savory aroma of garlic butter cooking, and everyone eagerly gathered around the table. It’s the kind of meal that can turn a busy weeknight into a special occasion, offering the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and the satisfying crunch of golden chicken bites.
This dish is perfect for those days when you want something easy yet indulgent. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a gathering with friends, or a family meal, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese will quickly become a favorite. The rich garlic butter sauce coats the tender chicken and the pasta, making every bite a flavor-packed experience. It’s comforting, yet light enough for any time of the year, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese brings together the best of both worlds: a creamy pasta dish and crispy, flavorful chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a twist, sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It’s made with just a few ingredients that are easy to find in your kitchen, yet it feels indulgent every time you serve it. The garlic butter sauce ties everything together it’s rich, savory, and aromatic, making each bite irresistible.
But it’s not just the taste that makes this recipe a keeper it’s also the ease of preparation. In less than 30 minutes, you can have this delicious meal on the table. The chicken bites get crispy and flavorful while the pasta cooks, and then the two are combined with the creamy, cheesy sauce that brings it all together in a single dish. This means less time spent in the kitchen and more time spent with family or guests.
Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner after a long day or creating something special for a gathering, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s comforting, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, saving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and allow it to melt. Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown, being careful not to burn it. The garlic will release an amazing aroma that fills your kitchen and makes your stomach growl in anticipation.
- Make the Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic butter sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Serve the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness.
Variation
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese is an incredibly versatile dish, allowing you to make swaps based on dietary preferences or ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas for customizing this recipe:
- Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan-friendly, swap out the chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Use a plant-based butter alternative and a dairy-free cream, like coconut cream or oat cream. For the cheese, try using vegan mozzarella and Parmesan substitutes, which are widely available in most grocery stores today.
- Gluten-Free Version: To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace the regular penne pasta with gluten-free penne. There are many gluten-free pasta options made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas, so choose one that fits your preferences. Make sure the cream and cheeses you’re using are certified gluten-free as well.
- Add Vegetables: If you’d like to pack in some extra nutrition, consider adding vegetables to this dish. Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes would complement the creamy sauce beautifully. These additions not only make the dish healthier but also add a pop of color and texture.
- Spicy Version: For those who like a little heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the chicken before cooking. This will give the dish an exciting kick and add depth to the flavor profile.
These variations make the dish more adaptable for different preferences, ensuring that it can be enjoyed by almost anyone while still maintaining its rich, creamy, and garlicky appeal.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese is a hearty and satisfying dish that stands wonderfully on its own, but it’s always nice to serve it with a few complementary sides to round out the meal. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate the dish and make it even more delightful:
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the garlic butter sauce. Try a mix of leafy greens, such as arugula, spinach, or romaine, topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Since garlic is the star of this dish, why not double down with a side of homemade garlic bread? It’s perfect for mopping up any extra sauce on your plate. Simply toast some baguette slices with butter, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley for a delicious side.
- Roasted Vegetables: If you’re looking to add more nutrients and texture to the meal, consider serving roasted vegetables on the side. Roasted carrots, zucchini, or even asparagus make great accompaniments, adding both flavor and color to your plate.
- Dessert: After enjoying the savory goodness of this dish, treat yourself to a light dessert. A lemon sorbet or a fruit salad would be a refreshing end to your meal, balancing the richness of the chicken and cheese with a sweet, tangy note.
Recipe Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese turns out perfectly every time:
- Choosing the Right Chicken: For the juiciest chicken bites, it’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Be sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure that they cook through at the same rate. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, which will add extra flavor.
- Garlic Flavor: To avoid burning the garlic and creating a bitter taste, sauté it over medium heat and keep a close eye on it. Once it’s fragrant and golden brown, you can move on to the next step. If garlic is something you love, feel free to add extra cloves garlic butter is never too much!
- Making the Sauce Creamier: For an even creamier sauce, you can increase the amount of heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the cream by half and substitute with chicken broth or a bit of milk. Don’t forget to season the sauce with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!
- Cheese Variations: If mozzarella or Parmesan isn’t your go-to, feel free to use your favorite cheeses. Fontina, cheddar, or Gruyère would all be excellent substitutes and will add a unique twist to the flavor profile of this dish.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: To prevent your pasta from sticking together, make sure to stir it occasionally while cooking. Draining the pasta just before it’s fully cooked and letting it finish cooking in the sauce will also help the pasta absorb the delicious flavors from the garlic butter sauce.
Cooking Note:
- Avoid overcooking the chicken: Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough.
- Sauté garlic carefully: Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but don’t let it brown or burn, as this can make it bitter.
- Cook penne al dente: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue absorbing the sauce, so this helps maintain the right texture.
- Reserve pasta water: Save a cup of pasta water before draining. It’s full of starch and can help thin and smooth the sauce when you combine everything.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 540 per serving
- Protein: 39g
- Sodium: 670mg
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? Yes! While penne works wonderfully in this dish, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare some elements ahead of time. You can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the sauce and pasta. You can also cook the pasta a few hours ahead and toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
- Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option? Yes, you can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, though the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. For a healthier alternative, you could use Greek yogurt or a lighter cream cheese, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will change.
- How can I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and reheat gently over low heat to prevent it from drying out.
- Can I make this dish without the cheese? While the cheese adds creaminess and flavor, you can make a version without it by substituting the cheeses with a dairy-free alternative or leaving it out entirely. You might also want to add extra garlic or herbs for flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese is an easy-to-make, yet indulgent, comfort food that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with friends, the rich garlic butter sauce, tender chicken, and creamy pasta make for a delicious, satisfying meal. The versatility of the dish allows for endless variations to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this meal, no matter their needs.
This dish doesn’t just bring flavor to your table, it also brings warmth and love. It’s the kind of meal that you can serve with pride, knowing it’s packed with the goodness of simple, wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you won’t be spending hours in the kitchen just enough time to enjoy the company of those you’re serving.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Penne and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, saving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and allow it to melt. Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown, being careful not to burn it. The garlic will release an amazing aroma that fills your kitchen and makes your stomach growl in anticipation.
- Make the Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic butter sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Serve the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness.
Nutrition
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 39
- Cholesterol: 670