Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is the perfect combination of savory, rich flavors that will satisfy your cravings in no time. The creamy, velvety pasta pairs beautifully with tender, flavorful garlic butter chicken bites, making this dish an instant favorite for any meal.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it delivers both flavor and comfort in every bite. The garlic butter coating on the chicken is packed with depth, while the parmesan pasta offers a creamy and satisfying finish to each bite.

Additionally, this recipe is relatively simple to prepare and doesn’t require any special skills or ingredients. It’s a great way to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll love the blend of rich flavors and the ease of preparation!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

For the garlic butter chicken bites, you’ll need the following ingredients to bring out the savory, buttery flavors that complement the creamy parmesan pasta:

• Chicken breast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• Butter (unsalted, to control the salt level)
• Garlic (fresh, minced for the best flavor)
• Olive oil (for sautéing the chicken)
• Italian seasoning (adds a nice blend of herbs)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Lemon juice (for a touch of acidity to balance the richness)
• Parmesan cheese (grated, for extra flavor)

These ingredients come together to create juicy, tender chicken bites that are packed with rich flavors, which will perfectly complement the creamy parmesan pasta.

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Pasta

The creamy parmesan pasta in this recipe is what makes this dish truly decadent. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make it:

• Pasta (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
• Heavy cream (for a rich, velvety texture)
• Butter (unsalted, to control the salt and richness)
• Garlic (minced to match the flavors of the garlic butter chicken)
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best melt and flavor)
• Chicken broth (adds depth of flavor and makes the sauce smoother)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy sauce that will envelop the pasta in the most luxurious way. It’s a perfect partner to the garlic butter chicken bites, providing the ideal contrast in texture and flavor.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

600

kcal

Total time

30

minutes

This garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender, savory chicken bites with a creamy, cheesy pasta. Quick and easy to make, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

• Prep the Chicken
• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Cook the Chicken
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Make Garlic Butter Sauce
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Add the lemon juice and parmesan cheese, stirring to coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce. Set aside.
• Cook the Pasta
• While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
• Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine Pasta and Sauce
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
• Add the Chicken
• Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet and toss with the creamy parmesan pasta until everything is well combined.
• Serve and Garnish
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water to help create a smooth, silky sauce!

Variations & Customizations

While this recipe is already packed with rich flavors, there are plenty of ways to customize it to fit your tastes. Here are some variations you can try:

Add Veggies

If you want to incorporate more vegetables into your dish, consider adding:

• Spinach: Stir in some fresh spinach leaves while making the creamy sauce. They will wilt beautifully and add extra nutrients.
• Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms and add them to the pasta for an earthy flavor.
• Broccoli: Steamed broccoli works perfectly with this dish and adds a lovely crunch to balance the creamy pasta.

For more ways to add vegetables to hearty meals, check out our Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie Guide.

Try Different Proteins

Although chicken is the star of this recipe, you can swap it for other proteins:

• Shrimp: Swap out the chicken for shrimp for a lighter seafood twist.
• Steak: For a more hearty meal, use bite-sized pieces of steak instead of chicken.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, try crispy pan-fried tofu cubes.

For more protein substitution ideas, visit our Ground Turkey Cooking Guide.

Spice It Up

If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding:

• Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle a pinch into the creamy sauce for a mild kick.
• Cajun seasoning: Add some Cajun seasoning to the chicken for a spicier, smoky flavor.

To explore more bold seasoning options, check out our Jambalaya Seasoning Guide.

Make It Lighter

To lighten the dish, you can make a few swaps:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat version of the creamy pasta sauce.
• Substitute the butter with olive oil to reduce the richness.

For more ideas on modifying creamy dishes, visit our Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe.

By making these changes, you can create a version of garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta that fits your personal preferences.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Meal prepping garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is a smart way to ensure you have a delicious, satisfying meal on hand throughout the week. By preparing this dish in advance, you can save time and enjoy the flavors all week long.

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Store Separately: To keep the pasta and chicken bites fresh, store them in separate airtight containers. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming soggy from the garlic butter sauce.
• Refrigerate: Both the chicken bites and creamy pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the containers are sealed tightly to maintain their freshness.
• Freezing: If you want to make this meal in advance for longer storage, you can freeze the garlic butter chicken bites and creamy parmesan pasta. Just be sure to cool them down completely before storing them in freezer-safe bags. This can last up to 2-3 months.
• Reheat Properly: When reheating, gently warm the pasta and chicken on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the pasta sauce has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

By following these meal prep tips, you can enjoy this delicious dish without the stress of cooking every day.

For more meal prep tips, check out this meal prep guide.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Making garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is already an easy and flavorful recipe. However, with a few pro tips, you can elevate this dish to the next level.

Use Fresh Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients plays a major role in the final flavor of the dish. Choose fresh chicken breasts, freshly grated parmesan, and quality heavy cream for the creamiest sauce. Fresh garlic and herbs like basil or thyme will also enhance the overall flavor profile.

Control the Heat for the Chicken

Cooking the chicken at the right temperature is crucial. Overcooking the chicken can result in dry, tough bites. Cook the chicken over medium heat and avoid crowding the pan to ensure even cooking and a crispy golden exterior. This will give you tender, juicy garlic butter chicken bites.

Don’t Skip the Pasta Water

When preparing the creamy parmesan pasta, always save a bit of pasta water before draining. Adding some of this starchy water to the sauce helps the sauce cling to the pasta, creating a velvety texture that enhances the creamy consistency.

Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor

Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme make a great addition to the dish. Sprinkle them on top before serving for a burst of freshness and color. The herbs will complement the richness of the garlic butter chicken and the creaminess of the parmesan pasta.

By following these pro tips, you can ensure that your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta are nothing short of perfect every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Even though garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is a straightforward recipe, there are still some common mistakes that can affect the dish’s outcome. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you create the perfect meal.

Overcooking the Chicken

One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the chicken. Chicken breast can dry out quickly, so it’s important to cook it just until it’s golden brown and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Not Using Enough Garlic

The garlic butter sauce is the star of the dish. Skimping on the garlic can lead to a bland flavor. Don’t hesitate to add a generous amount of garlic for that bold, aromatic flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.

Cooking Pasta Too Long

Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy and cause it to lose its structure. Always follow the package instructions and cook the pasta until it’s al dente. This ensures the pasta holds up well in the creamy sauce.

Forgetting to Save Pasta Water

Pasta water is your secret weapon for creating a rich, smooth sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water helps the sauce bind to the pasta and creates a luscious texture.

Skipping the Cheese

Parmesan cheese is essential in this dish. Don’t skip it! Freshly grated parmesan adds a deep, savory flavor that is key to the creaminess of the pasta sauce. Pre-grated parmesan will not melt as smoothly and can result in a gritty texture.

Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll end up with a perfectly balanced, mouthwatering dish of garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – The Perfect Meal

Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is truly the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavors that complement each other beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why It’s the Perfect Meal

• Flavor-packed: The garlic butter chicken bites provide a savory, aromatic flavor, while the creamy parmesan pasta offers a rich, velvety texture that ties everything together.
• Quick & Easy: Despite its indulgent flavor, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet quick.
• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or switch out the chicken for shrimp or steak to suit your preferences.

Health Benefits

While this dish is rich and indulgent, you can make small adjustments to make it a bit healthier. For example, you can use whole-wheat pasta for added fiber or opt for grilled chicken to reduce the amount of butter. Nonetheless, the combination of protein from the chicken and the creamy sauce makes this a balanced meal for any occasion.

A Crowd-pleasing Meal

Whether you’re serving this dish at a dinner party, family gathering, or for a special date night, garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a comforting choice that everyone will enjoy.

Conclusion

Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. By following the right steps and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that’s rich in flavor and satisfying in every bite.

From meal prep and storage tips to pro advice for the best result, this recipe is simple yet impressive. Avoiding common mistakes and making small customizations will ensure you always end up with a dish that’s perfectly balanced. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this meal will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

So, next time you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish, make garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta—you won’t be disappointed!