Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Looking for a dish that combines the savory flavors of garlic butter chicken with the indulgence of creamy Parmesan pasta? This recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a perfect choice! Juicy, seasoned chicken bites are sautéed in garlic butter and paired with rich, cheesy pasta, making it a quick, satisfying dinner that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

What are Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta?

This dish is a delicious combination of two crowd-pleasers: tender chicken bites cooked in a garlic butter sauce and creamy pasta made with Parmesan cheese. The chicken is lightly seasoned and pan-seared until golden, while the pasta is coated in a luxurious cream-based sauce infused with Parmesan and garlic. Together, they create a hearty, flavorful meal that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights.
• One-Pan Option: Cook everything in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
• Rich and Creamy: The Parmesan sauce is luscious and perfectly coats the pasta.
• Family-Friendly: Simple ingredients and bold flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Parmesan Pasta

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan (for boiling pasta)
• Tongs or spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

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

2. Season and Sear the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

4. Prepare the Parmesan Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.

6. Assemble the Dish

Transfer the creamy Parmesan pasta to serving plates. Top with the garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, comforting meal!

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Parmesan Pasta

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the pasta holds its shape and absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if needed for even browning.
• Grate Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Adjust the Sauce: Add more cream or reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

1. Add Vegetables: Include sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
2. Swap Proteins: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu instead of chicken for variety.
3. Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
4. Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta

• As a Main Dish: Pair with a fresh garden salad or steamed green beans for balance.
• With Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
• For Presentation: Plate the pasta in shallow bowls, topped with chicken and a sprinkle of parsley.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s texture.
• Freezing: Freeze the chicken and pasta separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape works, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well.

2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook the chicken—remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s fully cooked and juicy.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer or stir in an additional tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and comforting flavors. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try today, and don’t forget to share your feedback and subscribe for more simple and delicious recipes!

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