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There are dishes that feel like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, and the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is absolutely one of them. Combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in rich garlic butter alongside silky, cheesy Parmesan-coated pasta, this meal strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. It’s a recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough to serve when you want to impress without stress. Once you try this, it’s bound to become one of those go-to favorites that you return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role — from the creamy Parmesan that gives the sauce its luxe texture, to the fragrant garlic that fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps develop that luscious garlic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a golden sear on the chicken, balancing the butter’s creaminess.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a flavorful punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce a dreamy, silky smoothness.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory complexity and balances the cream.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce creating that signature cheesy, comforting flavor.
- 8 oz pasta of choice: Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all shine here, soaking up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens and adds a fresh herbal note to finish the dish.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes: For those who love a little heat to complement the creaminess.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A fresh, zesty contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta has just the right amount of bite to stand up to the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside – it’s ready to soak up all that delicious sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the chicken bites
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let them cook undisturbed for several minutes to form a beautiful golden crust, then stir and cook through for about 5 to 7 minutes total. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest—this keeps the bites juicy and tender.
Step 3: Infuse with garlic butter
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the minced garlic to the empty skillet. Sauté gently for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. This step is where the heart of the dish’s flavor starts to build—a garlic butter base that’s irresistible.
Step 4: Create the creamy Parmesan sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring occasionally as the mixture simmers gently. Watch closely as it thickens after about five to six minutes—it should coat the back of a spoon. Then, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Allow it to melt completely into the sauce, stirring until silky and smooth. If needed, adjust salt and pepper here to suit your taste.
Step 5: Combine pasta and chicken
Add the cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce, tossing it to ensure every strand or piece is evenly coated. Then, return the chicken bites to the skillet. Mix everything together and let it heat through for another two minutes. This melding time allows all flavors to marry beautifully, making every bite a perfect blend of creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. If you love a bit of spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side—the citrus adds a lively brightness that contrasts delightfully with the rich cream sauce.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an absolute must-have for this dish; it cuts through the richness with a subtle herbal note and visually elevates the plate. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes is perfect if you enjoy a gentle kick that livens up each forkful. Finally, lemon wedges add a vibrant splash of acidity that balances the buttery, cheesy flavors like a charm.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and fresh to complement the richness of this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans works wonderfully. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is another lovely choice, perfect for sopping up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in shallow bowls topped with a little extra Parmesan and parsley for a rustic Italian trattoria feel. Alternatively, layer it in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase the creamy sauce and golden chicken pieces—a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Pair with a glass of chilled white wine to elevate the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your leftovers even tastier. Just be sure to keep the lemon wedges separate, as they are best fresh.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce is delightful fresh, freezing can sometimes affect the texture, causing separation. If you want to freeze leftovers, store the chicken bites and pasta without sauce separately, and freeze in portions. Thaw thoroughly before reheating and prepare a fresh Parmesan sauce to toss it with for the best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can make the chicken rubbery and the sauce separate. Slow and gentle warming is key to recapturing that freshly cooked magic.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is flexible. Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work wonderfully as they soak up the creamy sauce nicely. Choose your favorite pasta shape or what you have on hand.
Is this dish spicy?
The base recipe is mild and creamy, but you can easily add some spice by sprinkling red pepper flakes on top. This lets you customize the heat level to your preference.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can try half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of extra Parmesan to maintain creaminess. Keep in mind, the sauce will be less rich but still delicious.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and remain extra juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs can take a minute or two longer to cook through compared to breasts.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce a little longer, stirring regularly to reduce it down until it reaches your desired consistency. Adding more Parmesan also helps thicken and enrich the sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe truly is a heartfelt dish that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels, yet elegant enough to share with friends and family when you want something special. I hope you give it a try soon—it just might become your new favorite cozy dinner that everyone asks for again and again!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta offer a delicious and comforting meal featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, combined with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe balances savory flavors with a hint of freshness from parsley and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing well to coat evenly.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the pasta and sauce. Let everything heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes over the dish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh, zesty flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Pasta choices such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well, but feel free to use your favorite type.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
