If you’re craving weeknight comfort with a touch of restaurant-style decadence, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta should be your next kitchen adventure! Juicy morsels of chicken golden-fried in garlicky butter pair beautifully with twirls of pasta coated in a lusciously creamy Parmesan sauce. Each bite is packed with cozy Italian-American flavors and ready in only 30 minutes, making it the perfect dish to wow your family or elevate a quiet night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need an endless list to create this rich, gorgeous dish—just a handful of kitchen staples and a little love. Each element in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta brings something important to the table, from the tender bite of the chicken to the silky, cheesy sauce.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy bites that cook up quickly and evenly.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta water, making every bite taste just right.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the chicken bites.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs gives a savory, aromatic lift to both chicken and sauce.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken beautifully and imparts a hint of fruitiness.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter forms the base of the garlic sauce and brings a rich, comforting flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are minced for bold, bright aroma in every mouthful.
- Pasta (Fettuccine or Linguine): Long, flat noodles perfectly catch and hold onto the creamy sauce—feel free to swap for your favorite!
- Heavy Cream: Why resist? This creates a dreamy, luxe texture in your Parmesan sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best, melting into the sauce for nutty, salty goodness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Toss these in if you love a pop of heat—it’s completely up to you.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A classic Italian finish for irresistible color and freshness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop in your fettuccine or linguine and cook until just al dente, following the package directions—it should still have a slight bite. Drain well and set aside, but reserve about a half-cup of the starchy pasta water in case you need to loosen your sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry and toss them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden and fully cooked. Transfer them to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Cook the Garlic
Lower the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, letting it sauté for about one minute. You’re after that incredible aroma—don’t let it brown or burn! Now your kitchen smells like magic.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, giving everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens ever so slightly.
Step 5: Toss It All Together
Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet, tossing to coat those noodles in the silky sauce. Slide the chicken bites in, along with any delicious juices from the plate. Gently mix for another 2 to 3 minutes, making sure every component is coated and warm. If the sauce seems thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water. Finish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
A generous flurry of freshly grated Parmesan is always a crowd-pleaser. A bit of chopped parsley not only adds color but also brightens all those creamy and garlicky notes. If you like a little zing, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes does wonders on top.
Side Dishes
This dish practically begs for a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to offset all that rich, creamy goodness. A hunk of warm, crusty bread is a classic for mopping up the last bits of sauce. Roasted vegetables—think broccolini or asparagus—make for an elegant and easy pairing as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family night, serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta in big pasta bowls for a bistro feel. Hosting friends? Twist the pasta into little nests, add chicken bites on top, and finish with parsley and Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation. You can even serve this in a large platter, family-style, so everyone can dig in and help themselves—comfort food just tastes better shared.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be cooled, then transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 2 to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, so tomorrow’s lunch just got a whole lot tastier!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta, cool it completely beforehand. Portion into freezer-safe containers; it can be frozen for up to a month. For the best texture, note that creamy sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing, but a good stir while reheating usually brings them back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave individual portions, pausing to stir every 30 seconds until hot throughout. Take care not to overheat or the chicken can become dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts keep the dish lean and tender, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and add a touch more richness and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into similarly-sized pieces for even cooking.
What pasta shapes work best?
Fettuccine or linguine are classic for this creamy dish, but you can substitute rotini, penne, or even spaghetti—whatever you have on hand. Hearty shapes like penne hold up well to the sauce and bite-sized chicken.
How can I lighten up this recipe?
For a lighter version of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter slightly. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for even more nutrition and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the recipe contains wheat-based pasta, but you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
Can I make it ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish reheats well, especially if you keep the sauce a bit looser by saving some pasta water. Portion out into containers and enjoy crave-worthy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a sense of occasion to your weeknight or impress dinner guests with minimal effort, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is guaranteed to delight. With every creamy bite, you’ll see why it’s become a beloved favorite in my kitchen—give it a try and watch plates (and hearts) get cleaned in no time!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory 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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful meal with these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired with a savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This Italian-American inspired dish is quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in a skillet with olive oil and 2 tbsp butter until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter, sauté garlic, add cream, broth, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add pasta and chicken to the skillet. Heat through for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Rotini or penne pasta can be used as alternatives.
- Enhance with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
- To reduce the richness, substitute cream with half-and-half.
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