If you’ve been craving a dish that brings together tender, flavorful chicken and luscious, silky pasta, then you are going to adore this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe. Imagine juicy chicken bites cooked in rich garlic butter, mingling with a decadently creamy Parmesan sauce coating every strand of pasta just right. This dish is comfort food at its finest, marrying simple ingredients with irresistible flavor, and it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance in this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is all about carefully chosen ingredients that each bring their own magic—whether it’s the richness of butter, the sharpness of Parmesan, or the subtle heat of Italian seasoning.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect bite-portions.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Acts as the flavorful base and helps create the silky sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of fragrant, savory depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a subtle herbaceous note that enhances the chicken perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives just a gentle kick of heat, if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice: Thick noodles soak up that creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to achieving that rich, luscious texture in the sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream for the sauce’s signature cheesy goodness.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions in plenty of salted boiling water. This step is crucial because a good al dente pasta will hold on to that creamy Parmesan sauce better. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Take those bite-sized chicken pieces and season them generously with salt, pepper, and the aromatic Italian seasoning. This builds layers of flavor from the very start, ensuring every chicken bite is tasty.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken Bites
In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it’s fragrant and shimmering. Add your chicken pieces and sauté them until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Butter Base
Using the same skillet (no need to dirty another), melt the remaining butter and toss in the minced garlic. Cook this gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully fragrant—this step brings out the true soul of the dish by infusing the butter with garlic goodness.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter, turning the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes to let the cream thicken slightly and absorb those garlic flavors.
Step 6: Add Parmesan and Season
Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the cream, forming a silky, smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and if you like a touch of spice, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. The sauce should be velvety and rich, embodying the heart of the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together so each piece of chicken and every noodle is luxuriously coated with that creamy Parmesan sauce. This melding step is where the dish really comes to life.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and a hint of fresh, herbaceous brightness that cuts through the creaminess. A light dusting of extra Parmesan can also amp up the cheesy goodness and create an inviting presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a serving of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The freshness of the sides complements the indulgent pasta perfectly, balancing each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of parsley and a twist of freshly cracked black pepper on top. Alternatively, add a few sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta for added color and texture variations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and keeps the sauce nicely separated from the pasta to prevent it from becoming overly soft.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you separate the pasta from the creamy sauce beforehand. Freeze chicken bites and sauce together in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating is possible but stir halfway through to maintain an even creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a slightly richer flavor and remain juicy due to their higher fat content. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep the cheesy flavor while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Can I prepare this recipe with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works wonderfully. Just follow the cooking instructions for your chosen pasta type to ensure it’s perfectly al dente before combining with the sauce.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning on hand?
No worries! You can create a simple mix from dried basil, oregano, and thyme at home or just season with salt, pepper, and garlic for a more straightforward flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Definitely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini all make fantastic additions and enhance the nutrition and texture of the dish without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s straightforward, packed with warmth and flavor, and perfect for when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delicious and comforting recipe featuring tender garlic butter chicken bites served with creamy Parmesan fettuccine pasta. This easy stovetop dish combines sautéed chicken seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce coating al dente pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly to flavor the meat.
- Sauté Chicken: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to release the garlic’s flavors.
- Add Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes to slightly thicken the cream.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is melted, creamy, and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, adjusting to taste.
- Combine and Toss: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the chicken and pasta are evenly coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
