Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a warm, comforting dish that combines tender chicken cooked in garlicky butter with a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both simple to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add butter, allowing it to melt. Add the chicken and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Top with the garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for a smooth, flavorful sauce—pre-grated cheese may not melt as well.
• Choose pasta varieties like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for the best texture with the creamy sauce.
• Don’t overcook the chicken; cook until just golden to keep it juicy and tender.
• For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu to suit dietary preferences.
• Add sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating or the chicken drying out. Freezing is possible for up to 1 month, but add extra cream when reheating to maintain smoothness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, this recipe works well with shrimp, turkey, or diced pork. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp, for example, cooks faster than chicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites and sauce separately in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta to maintain texture and flavor.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 59 reviews

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlicky butter, served over a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta sauce. This American-inspired main dish is perfect for a comforting and satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Parmesan Pasta:

• 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites: Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the garlic butter, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the 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 sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
5. Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth texture in the sauce.
• To make it healthier, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative and use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta.
• Add vegetables like sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to enhance nutrition and flavor.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Parmesan Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Chicken Bites, Easy Dinner, One Pan Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food