Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect combination of juicy, flavorful chicken and rich, cheesy pasta. With crispy, golden-brown chicken bites coated in a garlicky butter sauce and tossed with creamy Parmesan pasta, this dish is an easy and indulgent meal that’s great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
4. Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
- Top with garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Toss in sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken or sauce for some heat.
- Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with shrimp, turkey, or diced pork.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While freezing is not ideal due to the cream-based sauce, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Add a bit of liquid to refresh the sauce if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work wonderfully with this sauce.
2. How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Cook it just until golden brown and avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine with fresh pasta before serving.
4. What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Pair it with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables.
5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and use dairy-free Parmesan.
6. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.
7. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a little pasta water or milk to loosen it.
8. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
9. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly lighter in texture.
10. What wine pairs well with this dish?
A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Conclusion
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta are a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 40 minutes. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, creamy pasta dish that will become a favorite!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
-
Indulge in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta—a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring juicy garlic butter chicken over velvety Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this easy 35-minute meal will become a favorite!
-
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency. Top with garlic butter chicken bites.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Creamy Texture Tip: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk.
- Best Pasta Choice: Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work best for holding the rich sauce.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store chicken and pasta separately and combine when ready to serve.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *