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Craving something that’s bursting with savory garlic flavor, tender chicken, and creamy pasta goodness? This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta dish is your answer! Made with juicy chicken bites cooked in a garlicky butter sauce, then tossed with rich Parmesan-coated pasta, it’s a perfect recipe for a satisfying, comforting meal that comes together in just about 30 minutes. Ideal for weeknights when you want something quick yet impressive, this dish will soon be a favorite at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in no time.
- Delicious Comfort Food: Combining creamy Parmesan pasta and garlic butter chicken, this is a flavor-packed comfort meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta or add extra veggies for a personalized touch.
Ready to create this deliciousness? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Chicken Breasts: 2, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp, for searing
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Butter: 2 tbsp, for that rich garlic butter flavor
- Parsley: Freshly chopped, for garnish
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Pasta: 8 oz (penne or fettuccine work great)
- Butter: 2 tbsp, adds depth to the creamy sauce
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for rich, smooth sauce
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated for best results
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp, for extra flavor
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp, optional, for a bit of heat
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish and fresh flavor
Tools You’ll Need
- Large Pot for cooking pasta
- Large Skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
- Whisk to ensure a smooth sauce
- Tongs or Spatula for tossing pasta and chicken
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Start by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions.
- Drain and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and butter to the skillet, stirring until the garlic is fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Finally, transfer the garlic butter-coated chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet, gently tossing them with the pasta until everything is evenly mixed.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and if you’d like a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top.
Serve this mouth-watering garlic butter chicken pasta warm, and watch it disappear from the plate!
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This dish is filling on its own, but a few side options can elevate your meal:
- Garlic Bread: For more garlic goodness, serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up every bit of creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice balance to the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Veggies: Try steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a nutritious side.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and Parmesan make all the difference in flavor. Avoid pre-grated Parmesan, as it doesn’t melt as well.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to reach your desired creaminess.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add more red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit more spice!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken tough and the sauce less creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even rotini work wonderfully in this dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based option and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free “cheesy” flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms would pair nicely with the garlic butter sauce.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from separating?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and add it slowly while stirring over low heat. Avoid high temperatures, which can cause the sauce to split.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a simple yet sensational dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family meal. The combination of garlic butter chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta is pure comfort food heaven. Try it out, and let me know if it becomes a new favorite in your home!
For more delightful recipes like this, be sure to check out our Crockpot Angel Chicken – Creamy Comfort with Minimal Effort and our Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake – Easy Cheesy Comfort Food.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 620 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Enjoy, and don’t forget to share your dish photos on Pinterest or tag us on social media if you try it out! Happy cooking!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is an easy, flavor-packed dinner with tender chicken bites in a garlic butter sauce, tossed with creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Bites: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked. Add minced garlic and butter, stirring until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until combined. Slowly whisk in Parmesan until sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add chicken bites back to the skillet and mix until combined.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best results, as pre-grated doesn’t melt as well.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase nutritional value.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, boiling
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg