You know those nights when you just want something ridiculously good but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly where this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta comes in. It’s cozy, creamy, garlicky, and just plain delicious.
The first time I made this, I honestly wasn’t expecting it to become one of my favorite go-to meals. But between the juicy chicken bites sizzling in garlic butter and that dreamy Parmesan pasta, it totally stole the show. It’s the kind of dinner that feels fancy enough for date night, but easy enough to throw together on a Tuesday when you’re already in your sweatpants.
Trust me, one bite in and you’ll get why this dish is such a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get into it, your taste buds are in for a treat!
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The garlic butter sauce infuses the chicken with rich flavor, while the creamy Parmesan pasta adds a luxurious touch.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to suit different dietary preferences or to incorporate additional ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Recipe Card
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Course: DinnerDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes750
kcalTender chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan pasta for a comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Bites
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to help with the sauce later. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add it to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Add Garlic Butter: Lower the heat slightly and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about a minute. Pour in the cream and chicken broth, stirring until warm and combined.
- Add Parmesan: Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper. If it gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Combine Everything: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until fully coated, then stir in the garlic butter chicken bites. Let everything warm together for another minute.
- Serve and Enjoy: Top with chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra garlic butter if you like. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to adjust the sauce’s consistency and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Switch It Up: Tasty Twists on This Recipe
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a spicy version.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a meatless meal.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb alternative.
- Seafood Twist: Swap the chicken for shrimp to create a garlic butter shrimp pasta dish.
FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, linguine, or rotini.
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
Yes, using half-and-half will result in a lighter sauce, though it may not be as thick as the version with heavy cream.
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Let’s Wrap It Up with Something Delicious
And that’s it, friend! Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta might just become your new favorite weeknight comfort dish. It’s rich, creamy, loaded with flavor, and super easy to pull together, what’s not to love? Whether you’re serving it to family, impressing a dinner guest, or just treating yourself, this recipe hits the spot every time.
If you’re hungry for more cozy, flavor-packed recipes, check these out next:
- Chicken Gloria Recipe: creamy, cheesy chicken goodness that’s pure comfort.
- Smothered Turkey Wings Recipe: fall-off-the-bone tender and soul-warming.
- Chicken Long Rice Recipe: a Hawaiian twist on comfort food that’s soothing and delicious.
- Ground Chicken Taco Recipe: perfect for switching things up on taco night.
Give this pasta a try and let me know how it turned out. Tag me in your kitchen creations, and let’s keep cooking something amazing together!
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