Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
If you are craving a comforting yet elegant dinner that comes together swiftly, the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces seared to golden perfection, bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that seamlessly melts into a rich, creamy pasta. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures—from the slight kick of red pepper flakes to the silky Parmesan-infused cream sauce. This recipe tastes like a restaurant favorite but is entirely approachable for any home cook looking to impress their family or friends without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that are easy to find but essential for building incredible flavor and texture. Each one plays a role, whether it’s seasoning the chicken just right, creating that silky sauce, or adding a fresh burst of color at the end.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and perfect chicken-to-pasta ratio.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning basics that enhance all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that adds depth and a classic Italian touch.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a beautiful sear on the chicken and subtle fruity undertones.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Crucial for that rich, luscious garlic butter sauce base.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic is the heart of this dish, infusing an irresistible aromatic punch.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds an exciting warmth that balances the creamy sauce.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta: These pasta shapes are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, indulgent sauce that elevates the entire dish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, savory richness and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- ½ cup reserved pasta water: Adds starchiness that helps the sauce cling perfectly to pasta and chicken.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant finish that lifts the entire plate visually and with flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. This ensures it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Don’t forget to scoop out and reserve ½ cup of that starchy, flavorful pasta water before draining. This golden liquid will work wonders later to help bind your sauce.
Step 2: Season and sear the chicken
Pat your bite-sized chicken pieces dry then toss them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chicken in a single layer, allowing it to sear undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes until each piece is golden and cooked through. Removing the chicken at this point will keep it juicy and flavorful while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté garlic and build the sauce
Lower the skillet heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing rapidly for about 30 seconds just until the kitchen fills with that wonderful garlicky fragrance but before the garlic browns. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes irresistibly smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine pasta and chicken in the sauce
Add the drained pasta directly into your skillet with the sauce, tossing thoroughly to coat every noodle in luscious cream. Then, return your seared chicken bites to the skillet, mixing everything together and letting it heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. This finishing step melds all the flavors perfectly, ensuring juicy chicken surrounded by creamy, cheesy deliciousness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is all you need to awaken this dish. Not only does it add a beautiful splash of green that contrasts beautifully with the pale sauce and golden chicken, but its fresh, slightly peppery flavor cuts through the richness in just the right way.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy pasta recipe also welcomes a side of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the decadent sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls with chicken bites artfully nestled on top. Add a lemon wedge on the side to offer a tangy option for those who want to brighten their bites even more. You could also toss in sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach right before serving for added color and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover garlic butter chicken bites with creamy pasta recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce intact will maintain flavor, but separate storing of chicken and pasta is optional if you prefer better texture when reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you stash it in a freezer-safe container, ideal for up to 2 months. To preserve the creaminess, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce feels too thick. This will help restore the silky texture you love in your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy pasta recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and richness, which complements the creamy sauce nicely. Just be sure to cook them through thoroughly, adjusting the searing time as needed.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine and penne are great choices because their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully. However, you can also try spaghetti, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer or have on hand.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for a lighter sauce. The texture won’t be quite as rich, but you’ll still get delicious flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms are excellent additions that add flavor and color while keeping the dish balanced.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your taste. Skip them if you prefer a mild dish or increase slightly for extra warmth.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly rewarding about bringing a dish like the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe to your family table. It’s straightforward yet feels special, comforting yet vibrant, with layers of flavor that make every forkful memorable. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to weeknight dinners that feels like a celebration every time you plate it.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served with a creamy Parmesan pasta sauce. Tender chicken pieces are perfectly seared and tossed with fettuccine in a rich and flavorful garlic butter cream sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. An easy, family-friendly American-Italian main course perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to evenly coat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Return the seared chicken to the pan and stir everything together. Heat through for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving warm. Enjoy your flavorful garlic butter chicken bites with creamy pasta.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and color.
- This recipe works well with any short or long pasta shape like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted for preferred spice level.
- Reserve some pasta water to ensure the sauce reaches desired consistency and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
