Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe combines the perfect mix of tender chicken bites coated in garlic butter and a creamy Parmesan pasta that’s rich, savory, and oh-so-delicious. This comforting meal will surely become a weeknight favorite, offering a creamy, garlicky combination that’s hard to resist.

Why Make This Recipe

Perfect for Comfort Food Lovers

If you love garlic butter and creamy pasta, then this dish is a dream come true. The creamy Parmesan pasta with tender chicken bites drenched in garlic butter creates the ultimate comforting meal.

Quick and Easy

This dish is easy to prepare with only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious homemade meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

A Rich and Flavorful Meal

The garlic butter chicken bites pair beautifully with the creamy, cheesy sauce and the Parmesan pasta, making every bite a satisfying explosion of flavor. It’s a simple but indulgent dish.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer them for more flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chicken. You can substitute with avocado oil.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the chicken.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic will give the best flavor, but you can substitute with garlic powder.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a savory herb flavor. You can substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish. You can use basil if you prefer.

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice: You can substitute with penne, spaghetti, or any other pasta you prefer.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds depth to the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: For a rich and creamy sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The key ingredient for that creamy, cheesy sauce. You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• ½ cup chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling): This adds extra flavor to the final dish, but is optional.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta (or pasta of your choice) until al dente.
• Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water to help with the sauce later.
• Drain and set the pasta aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the cream and chicken broth, stirring until warm and well combined.

4. Add Parmesan:

• Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

5. Combine Everything:

• Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until fully coated.
• Add the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet, stirring everything together and allowing it to warm for another minute.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Top with chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra garlic butter if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. Make it extra creamy: Use more cream or a splash of cream cheese to make the sauce even richer.
2. Add veggies: Stir in some spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to add extra flavor and nutrients.
3. Make it lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, and use low-fat cheese for a lighter version.

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the garlic butter sauce for a bit of heat.
• Change the cheese: For a different flavor, swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
• Use a different pasta: While fettuccine is the classic choice, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you like.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will work just as well, though thighs tend to stay juicier.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and pasta separately and store them in the refrigerator until ready to combine. But for the best texture, the sauce should be made fresh.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any pasta will work, though fettuccine is the most traditional choice.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, flavorful, and quick to make. It’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whip it up for dinner tonight, and you’ll be sure to impress everyone with this rich, garlicky, cheesy dish!