Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe. Tender, juicy chicken bites are seared to golden perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. Paired with creamy Parmesan pasta, this dish is a match made in heaven for any pasta or chicken lover.
Ideal for busy weeknights, this meal is quick to prepare yet packed with flavor. The creamy pasta complements the savory chicken bites, creating a balanced and satisfying dish that your whole family will adore. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and sure to become a favorite.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce and Parmesan pasta create a decadent flavor combination.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or switch up the protein for variety.
- Family-Friendly: A meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan
Equipment Used
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Directions & Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes (if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Prepare the Parmesan Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Dish: Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the rich, comforting flavors.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 680
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or turkey for a unique twist.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
- Spicy Kick: Increase chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, pre-cooked chicken works well. Simply toss it in the garlic butter sauce to heat and coat.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While the chicken freezes well, the creamy pasta sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Q: What pasta works best for this recipe?
A: Penne, fettuccine, or linguine are excellent options, but any pasta will work.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Sear the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan for even browning.
- Silky Sauce: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly to avoid clumping.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve pasta water! It’s perfect for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh basil or thyme for extra aroma and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing drink, serve with iced tea or a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dinner with loved ones!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta penne or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chili flakes (if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Prepare the Parmesan Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Dish: Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the rich, comforting flavors.