Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

There’s something truly magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and cheese. When you add chicken and pasta into the mix, you’ve got a comforting, savory meal that’s bound to please everyone at the table. Enter Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions.

This recipe has it all: tender, juicy chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served alongside creamy Parmesan pasta that’s absolutely bursting with flavor. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make, but it tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen for hours. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish will impress everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is one of those meals that hits all the right notes: rich, savory, creamy, and comforting. The chicken bites are sautéed in a delicious garlic butter sauce, which adds depth and flavor to each piece of chicken. The creamy Parmesan pasta is the perfect companion, with its velvety texture and nutty, salty flavor from the Parmesan cheese.

What makes this dish even better is how easy it is to make. You only need a handful of ingredients to create this delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s ideal for busy nights when you want something satisfying, but don’t have a lot of time to cook. And trust us once you try it, you’ll be coming back for more!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the chicken bites:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender, juicy chicken that cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors from the garlic butter.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and give it a crispy golden exterior.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: For that rich, savory flavor that makes the garlic butter sauce so delicious.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: The garlic is the star of the show, infusing the chicken and butter with incredible flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a little extra depth and aroma to the chicken.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A burst of freshness and color to garnish the dish.

For the creamy Parmesan pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice: The perfect base for this rich, creamy sauce. Fettuccine works great because it holds the sauce well, but any pasta will do.
• 2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the garlic and starting the creamy sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is used in both the chicken and the pasta, tying the flavors together.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The key ingredient for making the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that signature cheesy flavor that makes the pasta so irresistible.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the pasta sauce and ensuring the flavors are balanced.
• Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling): If you want to take the flavor to the next level, drizzle extra garlic butter over the pasta before serving.

Preparation

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make this mouthwatering meal!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the fettuccine (or your choice of pasta). Cook the pasta until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a little bit of pasta water for later in case you need to thin the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces to the pan, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! This is where all the magic happens the garlic infuses the butter with flavor, creating a savory base for the rest of the dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Once the garlic is fragrant, add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is covered in the creamy sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed. If you like, you can drizzle extra garlic butter on top for even more flavor.

Variations

 

While this recipe is already bursting with flavor, there are several ways you can customize it to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

1. Add Vegetables

For a more well-rounded meal, consider adding vegetables to the dish. Sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms would be excellent additions that pair wonderfully with the creamy garlic butter sauce.

2. Make It Spicy

If you enjoy a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or season the chicken with a bit of cayenne pepper. This will give the dish a spicy kick that balances out the richness of the creamy sauce.

3. Use Zoodles for a Low-Carb Option

If you’re looking for a lighter, low-carb alternative, swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles). You can sauté the zoodles in a bit of olive oil before tossing them with the chicken and creamy sauce for a delicious, healthier version of this dish.

4. Substitute Chicken with Shrimp

If you’re in the mood for seafood, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and will soak up the garlic butter sauce, creating a deliciously savory seafood version of this dish.

Cooking Notes

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked, so be sure to check the chicken for doneness by cutting into the thickest part to ensure it’s no longer pink.
• Use Fresh Parmesan Cheese: For the best results, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives the sauce a creamier texture.
• Pasta Water Is Your Friend: If the sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water can help thin it out while adding a bit of starch to help the sauce stick to the pasta.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a hearty dish on its own, but it can be served with a variety of sides to complete the meal.

• Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread for a perfect pairing. The bread will soak up the creamy sauce and add an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a healthier touch, serve the pasta with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
• Salad: A fresh, light salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.

Tips

• Make It Ahead: If you want to save time, you can cook the chicken and pasta in advance, then store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine them with the sauce and reheat.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.
• Freeze the Chicken: You can freeze the cooked chicken separately and use it later in other dishes. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values for this dish:

Calories: 650
Protein: 36g
Sodium: 550mg

Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.

2. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. However, the sauce may not be as creamy.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for a little heat. Adjust to your taste.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dish. It combines tender chicken, a luscious garlic butter sauce, and creamy Parmesan pasta into one mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out and let us know how it turns out we’re sure it’ll become a new favorite in your household!

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