If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender, flavorful chicken and a luxuriously creamy pasta, you’re in for a treat with this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfectly balancing bold garlic butter chicken bites with a dreamy Parmesan sauce coating every strand of pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe promises comfort and elegance in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet impactful ingredients is the first step to creating a deliciously balanced meal. Each component adds its own magic, from the richness of the butter and cream to the sharp, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces ensure quick cooking and juicy tenderness.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness and helps develop that irresistible garlic flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the dish, infusing every bite with aromatic roasted goodness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Introduces subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken bites.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the flavors perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild kick that complements the creamy sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional): For those who love a hint of heat.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green as a garnish.
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite type to soak up the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to cook the pasta and chicken for a perfect sear.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich, luscious, and indulgently creamy.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The flavor backbone of the sauce, providing sharp, nutty depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic flavor in the pasta sauce.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the creaminess and sharp cheese flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Keeps the sauce tasting lively and balanced.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional): Adds an unexpected warm note to the creamy sauce for complexity.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure every morsel is juicy and quick to cook. Toss the chicken with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if you’re using them. These spices create a lovely, balanced base, giving your chicken bites a hint of smoky warmth and a subtle kick that will shine against the creamy pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. This ensures the noodles will hold their texture and soak up the sauce perfectly without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain and toss the pasta with a little olive oil to keep the strands from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken bites and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute to let its aroma burst forth without burning. This step guarantees those garlicky, buttery flavors are infused deeply into the chicken.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Whisk in the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg to build a complex yet comforting sauce. Let the cream simmer gently for a few minutes until it slightly thickens, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and silky. This sauce is where the magic happens—rich, cheesy, and utterly crave-worthy.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss them gently with the creamy Parmesan pasta sauce. Add the cooked pasta and stir everything together to coat the noodles evenly. Finish with a tablespoon of butter for extra shine and richness before sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh bite and color contrast.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a must to add a burst of green color and brightness to lighten the richness. For an extra touch, sprinkle with a little more Parmesan cheese and a grind of black pepper just before serving. Lemon zest can also be a surprising but delightful garnish that brightens the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite rich and satisfying on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli makes a lovely refreshing complement. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are great for soaking up the leftover sauce at the end of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the dish on a large family-style platter so everyone can scoop their portions, encouraging that cozy communal vibe. Alternatively, twirl the creamy Parmesan pasta onto each plate with the chicken bites artfully arranged on top, garnished with parsley and a small drizzle of olive oil for a more elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce and chicken with the pasta to preserve flavor, but give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare meals in advance. Place portions in a freezer-safe container, making sure to cool it completely before sealing and placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to two months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of milk or cream while warming helps restore the sauce’s silky texture. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice as they tend to stay more tender and juicy, and their richer flavor complements the creamy Parmesan sauce perfectly.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work beautifully. Choose pasta with enough surface area to hold onto the creamy sauce, so you get flavor in every bite.
Is there a way to make the sauce lighter?
If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or a lighter cream option, but keep in mind this will affect the richness and thickness slightly.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas added during the sauce-making step can boost nutrition and add lovely textures without overpowering the dish.
How spicy is this recipe with chili flakes?
The chili flakes provide just a gentle warmth that plays nicely with the creamy sauce—it’s not overpoweringly spicy but gives a subtle kick. You can easily omit them if you prefer no heat.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is a total winner when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of dish that hits all the right notes every time. Give it a go—you might just find a new weeknight favorite to keep in your recipe rotation.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Tender chicken bites are sautéed in garlic butter and combined with a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta that’s seasoned with garlic powder and a hint of nutmeg for depth. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe offers a delicious blend of savory and creamy textures, ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.
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
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken Bites: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 7-10 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with the cooked garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- For a spicy kick, increase chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Chicken thighs provide more juiciness and flavor, while chicken breasts offer a leaner option.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for the best melting texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
