Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that combines crispy, tender chicken bites with a luxurious parmesan pasta. The garlic butter sauce brings everything together with its rich, aromatic flavors, making this dish an instant favorite for family dinners or date nights.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

1. Quick and Easy: A perfect weeknight dinner ready in under an hour.
2. Crowd-Pleaser: Combines two universally loved elements—crispy chicken and creamy pasta.
3. Customizable: Add vegetables or spice to suit your preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Cut and Season: Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken cubes in the seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Optional Marinade: For enhanced flavor, let the chicken rest in the seasoning for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Bites

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter: Lower the heat and add butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Coat the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix Together: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy parmesan sauce, ensuring every strand is coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

1. Plate It: Serve the creamy parmesan pasta on a plate or in a bowl. Top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese and parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for Success

1. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed to ensure crispy, golden edges.
2. Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Small chicken pieces cook quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done to prevent dryness.
4. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps bind the pasta and sauce, making it silky and cohesive.

Variations

1. Vegetable Additions

• Add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to the pasta for extra nutrients and flavor.

2. Spicy Twist

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or parmesan sauce for a spicy kick.

3. Low-Carb Option

• Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

4. Cheese Blend

• Mix in shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for a richer, cheesier sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Add the pre-cooked chicken to the garlic butter sauce to warm through before serving.

What pasta works best?

Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, but penne or rigatoni are great for holding sauce in their ridges.

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for the best taste and texture.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your seasonings and parmesan are gluten-free.

Perfect Pairings

1. Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce.
2. Salad: A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the dish.
3. Wine: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal, blending savory chicken with a velvety pasta sauce. Whether it’s a family dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction.

Get ready to indulge in this irresistible combination that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Yield: 4

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Print

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that combines crispy, tender chicken bites with a luxurious parmesan pasta. The garlic butter sauce brings everything together with its rich, aromatic flavors, making this dish an instant favorite for family dinners or date nights.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Bites:
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
• 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken Bites

1. Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken bites in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Lower the heat to medium, add the garlic and remaining butter, and stir until fragrant (about 1 minute).
5. Remove the chicken bites from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes.
2. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed.

4. Combine and Serve

1. Return the chicken bites to the skillet, placing them on top of the pasta.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Pasta Choice: Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or rotini, for maximum flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes with the garlic for added texture and flavor.