Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a savory, indulgent meal that’s packed with flavor but also easy to prepare, look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with tender chicken bites smothered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, served alongside a creamy Parmesan pasta that’s both decadent and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or for a special date night, this recipe will hit all the right notes.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta?

If you’re a fan of rich, buttery sauces and creamy pastas, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The garlic butter chicken bites are the perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, while the creamy Parmesan pasta provides a rich, cheesy base that complements the garlic and butter perfectly. Together, these elements create a balanced and luxurious meal that is bound to impress.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This dish may look fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare the garlic butter chicken bites and creamy Parmesan pasta.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites

1. Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. You want the pieces to be uniform in size so they cook evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss them around to ensure the seasoning coats the chicken evenly.
3. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken bites to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add 1/2 cup of butter and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. These little bits of flavor will infuse the sauce with extra richness.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Seasonings: Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. The lemon juice will brighten the rich butter and garlic flavors.
4. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and become extra tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Heavy Cream and Chicken Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce come to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Stir in Parmesan Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
5. Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Pasta

1. Toss the Pasta in the Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss it until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
2. Add the Chicken Bites: Gently fold the garlic butter chicken bites into the pasta, making sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Top the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the top if desired.
2. Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites and serve immediately while it’s hot and fresh.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan make a huge difference in flavor. Avoid using pre-grated Parmesan, as it can affect the texture and taste of the sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To ensure your chicken remains juicy and tender, avoid overcooking it. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink in the center and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for longer. If it’s too thick, add a little more chicken broth or pasta water.
• Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While fettuccine is a classic choice, you can use any pasta shape you like. Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work wonderfully.
• Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Optional Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Use Different Meats: Swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even steak bites for a different twist on the dish.
• Spicy Kick: Add some chili flakes to the garlic butter chicken or the creamy Parmesan sauce if you like a bit of heat.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a rich, indulgent dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves a creamy, cheesy, and buttery meal. The tender chicken bites, coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, pair perfectly with the creamy, Parmesan-infused pasta. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With its simple yet delicious flavors, it’s a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Yield: 4

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Print

If you're craving a savory, indulgent meal that's packed with flavor but also easy to prepare, look no further than this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with tender chicken bites smothered in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, served alongside a creamy Parmesan pasta that’s both decadent and satisfying. Whether you're cooking for your family, friends, or for a special date night, this recipe will hit all the right notes.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
• 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
• For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
• 8 oz pasta (use your favorite low-carb or regular pasta)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
• Extra grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Bites:

1. Season the chicken: Season the cubed chicken with paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   
2. Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   
3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown. Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors.
   
4. Garnish: Remove from heat and set aside. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

1. Cook the pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
   
2. Make the creamy sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
   
3. Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve:

1. Assemble: Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta on plates and top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
   
2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Low-carb option: Use a low-carb pasta like zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or a cauliflower-based pasta for a keto-friendly version.

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce if you prefer a bit of heat.

Extra flavor: For even more flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken and pasta just before serving.