Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with rich flavors and comforting textures, the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful meal combines tender chicken bites coated in fragrant garlic butter alongside a luscious, cheesy Parmesan pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for family dinners or impressing friends, this recipe balances simplicity and gourmet taste, making it a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is simple yet essential, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that elevate the dish. From the creamy sauce to the perfectly seasoned chicken, here’s what you’ll gather before you start cooking.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choosing thigh meat adds juiciness, but breasts work perfectly too.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided: The star for that rich, velvety garlic butter coating.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chicken and sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smoky notes and beautiful color to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers gentle heat and seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional): Adds a hint of spice to wake up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Provides freshness and vibrant green garnish.
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti): Your vehicle for soaking up that heavenly sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps balance the richness and prevents sticking.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy base for the Parmesan sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers that signature nutty, salty depth to the pasta.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces garlic flavor in the sauce itself.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Perfectly seasons the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild spice to the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional): A secret spice that adds warmth and complexity to creamy sauces.
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. Cooking the pasta until it is al dente ensures it maintains the perfect bite and holds up well with the rich sauce. Remember to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining; that starchy water will be your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season your chicken pieces with paprika, salt, black pepper, and the optional chili flakes to give a balanced, flavorful punch. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat in a skillet, then add the chicken. Cook until each bite is a golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally for an even sear. Throw in the minced garlic along with another tablespoon of butter, coating the chicken in irresistible garlic butter. Remove and set aside so you can focus on that dreamy sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Keep the magic going by heating the remaining butter and the olive oil in the same skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer, stirring often so it doesn’t burn. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous. Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese, ensuring a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta. If it thickens too much, add spoonfuls of your reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect creamy texture.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your sauce is divine, add the pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything well so that each strand or shape is luxuriously coated, creating harmony between the creamy Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Finally, plate generous portions of the creamy Parmesan pasta and crown it with those sensational garlic butter chicken bites. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. Now, it’s ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is an excellent way to garnish, lending brightness to every bite. If you like, add a few extra shards of Parmesan or a light sprinkle of chili flakes for some kick. Garnishes elevate the presentation and add that final layer of flavor that makes this dish feel special.
Side Dishes
This dish is beautifully rich, so pairing it with lighter sides is a great idea. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complements the creamy pasta perfectly and balances out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant dinner party vibe, serve the pasta in shallow bowls allowing the creamy sauce to pool underneath the chicken bites visually and flavor-wise. Drizzle a little extra melted garlic butter over the top for a glossy finish and an extra burst of aroma that’ll have everyone swooning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, but be sure to keep the pasta and chicken together to maintain that comforting taste.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but the creamy pasta sauce may slightly change texture upon thawing. For best results, freeze the chicken bites and pasta separately in airtight containers, then recombine when reheating. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Slowly reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to bring the sauce back to life and prevent dryness. Avoid microwaving unless you cover it well and stir halfway through to evenly warm the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to use your favorite pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times to package instructions to get the perfect al dente texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich and thick. Reducing butter slightly or adding more vegetables can also lighten the dish while keeping it flavorful.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
While fresh chicken tastes best, pre-cooked chicken can work in a pinch. Add it at the end just to warm through so that it doesn’t dry out, and then toss everything in the sauce for a quick dinner fix.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Minced garlic is ideal for that fresh pop of flavor, but you can substitute garlic powder in the chicken step if needed. Just be cautious to not overdo it since garlic powder is more concentrated and can become bitter.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta varieties, which are widely available. The rest of the ingredients in the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, comforting hug in every bite. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests, offering a perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors. I encourage you to try making it soon—you may just discover your new favorite go-to meal that everyone will adore.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cooked in garlic butter, paired with pasta tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Add 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in garlic butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat the remaining butter and olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield juicier bites.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for smooth texture.
- Chili flakes are optional but add a slight kick to the chicken.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and tastes superior compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best to absorb the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
