Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners just got a flavor boost with these mouthwatering garlic butter chicken bites paired alongside creamy parmesan pasta.

Succulent pieces of chicken dance in rich, golden butter and aromatic herbs.

Every single bite promises a delightful melody of textures and tastes.

Crispy edges and tender centers make this dish impossible to resist.

Parmesan’s salty notes perfectly complement the garlic’s subtle warmth, creating a harmony that’ll make you swoon.

You can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in under thirty minutes.

Comfort meets elegance on a single plate, beckoning you to savor each delectable forkful.

What Makes Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta Shine

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up a delicious dinner in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast, satisfying meal.
• Creamy Comfort Food: Indulge in a rich, velvety sauce that combines the savory flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese for ultimate comfort and taste.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize this recipe by swapping chicken with shrimp or tofu, or adding your favorite vegetables to create a personalized dining experience.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: A crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal option for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Bites & Parmesan Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Classic pasta perfect for this creamy dish.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning pasta water.

• Chicken: Tender cubed chicken for a hearty meal.

• Butter: Rich and creamy base for cooking and sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer for the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth and luxurious sauce component.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth.

• Basil: Fresh herb for bright finishing touch.
• Black Pepper: Spice to season the dish.
• Salt: Final seasoning for balanced flavor.

Instructions for Garlic Chicken and Creamy Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook pasta in generously salted water until it reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Drain the pasta, keeping aside a half cup of starchy pasta water for later use.

Set the cooked pasta to the side.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium flame.

Add minced garlic and let it become wonderfully aromatic.

Toss in chicken cubes and cook until they turn golden brown and are completely cooked through.

Step 3: Craft the Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet, melt additional butter.

Slowly pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a rich, velvety consistency.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce.

Add the golden chicken bites and mix thoroughly.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Shower the dish with freshly chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while piping hot, delivering a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress.

Tips to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Mince fresh garlic cloves finely to release maximum aroma and ensure even distribution throughout the dish, creating a more intense and balanced flavor profile.
• Watch pasta closely and test for al dente texture by tasting a strand – it should have a slight firmness in the center to maintain perfect texture when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Use reserved pasta water strategically to thin or thicken the sauce, helping you achieve the ideal creamy texture without making it too runny or too dense.
• Pat chicken cubes dry before cooking to ensure golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming, which helps develop a delicious caramelized surface and locks in moisture.
• Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains tender and prevents drying out during the final sauce combining step.

How to Keep and Reheat Chicken Bites & Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pasta and chicken separate from sauce to prevent sogginess.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water or milk to restore moisture. Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of pasta water or cream to revive the sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Cool the dish completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

Best Pairings for Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Pasta

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the garlic's zesty notes.
• Fresh Green Salad Partner: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy, refreshing contrast against the pasta's creamy texture.
• Roasted Vegetable Sidekick: Prepare quick roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sea salt to add a caramelized, earthy dimension that balances the dish's richness.
• Crusty Bread Enhancer: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious Parmesan sauce, creating a perfect bite that maximizes every flavor.

Pasta and Chicken Combo Variations

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like brown rice or chickpea pasta. Use cornstarch instead of flour for coating chicken to maintain a crispy texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use boneless chicken thighs for extra flavor and replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a lighter sauce.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese and coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking. Mix in fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce for an extra flavor boost. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both chicken breasts and thighs work great. Cut them into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they’re evenly cooked and reach 165°F internal temperature for food safety.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even Greek yogurt for a slightly different but still creamy texture. The sauce might be slightly thinner but will still taste delicious.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is mild and focuses on garlic and Parmesan flavors. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F. Alternatively, cut a piece in half – it should be white throughout with no pink center and have a firm texture.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta blend Italian comfort with irresistible flavors, creating a mouthwatering meal that seduces taste buds. Crispy chicken morsels nestled in rich, velvety sauce promise pure culinary satisfaction for dinner lovers seeking delicious simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, cubed

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter

Pasta and Seasoning:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Craft a perfectly seasoned pasta dish by preparing tender chicken bites and a luxurious cream sauce that blends rich flavors and textures.
2. Fill a large pot with water, generously salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully add pasta and cook until tender with a slight resistance when bitten, typically 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain pasta thoroughly, preserving a half cup of starchy cooking liquid for later sauce modification. Set pasta aside in a warm location.
4. Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the melting butter for approximately 30 seconds.
5. Add chicken cubes to the fragrant butter, spreading them evenly across the skillet. Cook until each piece develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, which ensures complete cooking.
6. Remove chicken from the skillet, transferring to a separate plate while maintaining its warmth.
7. Without cleaning the skillet, introduce remaining butter and allow it to melt smoothly. Pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a silky base.
8. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently until the sauce transforms into a thick, creamy consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
9. Gently fold cooked pasta into the cream sauce, ensuring each strand becomes luxuriously coated. If the sauce appears too dense, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
10. Reintroduce golden chicken bites into the pasta, carefully folding to distribute evenly throughout the dish.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot, offering a delightful blend of creamy, garlicky goodness.

Notes

• Enhance chicken texture by patting it dry before cooking to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking it just until al dente, ensuring it maintains a slight bite and can absorb the creamy sauce without falling apart.
• Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, and using gluten-free pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Create a deeper flavor profile by adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, elevating the overall taste complexity of the chicken and pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg