This indulgent dish features tender chicken bites sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan-infused pasta. With its irresistible flavors and creamy texture, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – The Parmesan sauce coats every bite of pasta for an ultra-satisfying meal.
- Easy & Quick – Ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Garlic Butter Goodness – Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites infused with rich garlic butter flavor.
- Family-Friendly – A comforting dish everyone will love.
- Customizable – Adjust the seasonings, add veggies, or swap the pasta type to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
(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.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in garlic butter.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil over medium heat.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
5. Assemble the Dish
- Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per serving
Variations
- Lighter Option – Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add Veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick – Increase the chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Extra Cheesy – Add shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Simply heat it in the garlic butter before adding to the pasta.
What pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes! Substitute with whole milk and a bit of cream cheese for a creamy texture.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding the Parmesan and stir constantly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce and pasta separately for the best texture when reheating.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Try Asiago, Romano, or a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Let it simmer for a few extra minutes, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
How can I make this dish even richer?
Add a dollop of cream cheese or a bit of butter to the sauce for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal, featuring juicy, golden-brown chicken and a luxuriously creamy sauce. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this easy and flavorful dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy every indulgent bite!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – A Comforting and Flavorful Dish
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich and indulgent meal featuring juicy, golden-brown chicken tossed in a garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan-infused pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy weeknight dinner is packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Add 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in garlic butter.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
5. Assemble the Dish
- Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Increase chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Extra Cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
