There is something incredibly comforting and downright delicious about the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe. This dish combines tender, golden chicken morsels bathed in a rich, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory garlic, buttery goodness, and the subtle tang of Parmesan, making it a weeknight favorite you’ll want to keep on rotation. If you love meals that feel indulgent yet come together quickly, this is absolutely the recipe to try next.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role—whether it’s the aroma of fresh garlic sizzling in butter or the creaminess of Parmesan gently melting into the sauce.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures quick cooking and tender bites every time.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for that rich, silky base that infuses the chicken with flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant punch that makes this dish irresistibly tasty.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and a touch of Mediterranean charm.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but vital seasonings to bring all flavors into balance.
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne): The perfect vehicle to soak up all that luscious sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its irresistibly creamy texture and richness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding sharp, nutty complexity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and an herbal finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This step is so important because the pasta texture forms the foundation that carries the creamy sauce and chicken. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to rest while you prepare the chicken bites.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Take your diced chicken and sprinkle over the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning mix ensures every bite bursts with flavorful layers, starting from the chicken itself. Don’t be shy here; seasoning is key to a well-rounded dish.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Melt Butter
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, cooking just until it’s fragrant—about a minute. The aroma at this point is heavenly and sets the stage for that unmistakable buttery-garlic flavor that shines throughout this recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Bites
Turn up the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken pieces to your skillet. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. This high heat sear locks in juices, leaving you tender, flavorful bites every time.
Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir to combine with the buttery garlic mixture. Bring it up to a simmer—you’ll notice the sauce start to thicken and turn beautifully silky. This creamy base is what makes the dish so indulgent and comforting.
Step 6: Melt in Parmesan Cheese
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. This step elevates the sauce into something truly special, enriching it with sharp, nutty flavor and a lovely thickness that coats each piece of chicken and pasta perfectly.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now gently fold your cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together so that every noodle is luxuriously coated with the creamy sauce and studded with those tasty garlic butter chicken bites.
Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your dish and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Once you’re happy with the seasoning, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. This final touch not only adds a pop of color but a fresh herbal brightness that balances the richness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a touch of green and freshness that cuts through the creaminess. For an extra layer of flavor, try a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of extra Parmesan right on top before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette to introduce refreshing acidity and crunch. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a fantastic partner, perfect for mopping up the leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the garlic butter chicken bites atop the pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with parsley and Parmesan curls. Alternatively, pile it high on a large platter and offer lemon wedges on the side for guests to brighten up their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weekdays.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, separate the chicken bites and pasta into portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or bags. Note that the creamy sauce might slightly change in texture after thawing, so stirring gently upon reheating helps smooth it out.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving is quick too, but stir halfway through to ensure even warming and preserve that signature creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are great for holding the sauce, feel free to use linguine, rotini, or even shells. Just cook according to the package instructions and enjoy.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add freshly chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken. You could also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and can add extra richness. Just adjust cooking time slightly if they are larger pieces.
What’s the best way to keep the pasta from drying out?
Reserve a little pasta cooking water before draining and add a splash when mixing pasta with the sauce. This will help loosen the sauce and keep the dish nice and creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s quick to whip up but still feels like a celebration on your plate, the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe will not disappoint. Its perfect balance of textures and heavenly flavors will make it one of those dishes you come back to time and again. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy some serious deliciousness!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta recipe combines tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter with a luscious creamy Parmesan pasta. The dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Season the diced chicken pieces evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Cook Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the cooked chicken and garlic butter. Stir to combine and bring the mixture gently to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Continue to cook until the sauce has thickened to your preferred consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce and chicken pieces.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add extra salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta!
Notes
- You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute chicken breasts with skinless chicken thighs.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
