Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish; 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect comforting dish to elevate any weeknight dinner. The garlic butter chicken bites are crispy, flavorful, and perfectly paired with a creamy Parmesan pasta that's rich and savory. Whether you're a garlic lover or a fan of creamy pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines two favorites in one meal: juicy, tender chicken bites cooked in rich garlic butter, and smooth, cheesy pasta coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce. The best part? It's quick and easy to make, with a total cooking time of just 30 minutes. The flavor of garlic butter is irresistible, making this dish both comforting and indulgent. Plus, with only a few ingredients, it’s an accessible and flavorful meal for any home cook.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure to reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce if necessary.
Prepare the Chicken Bites:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Add the Garlic Butter:
Once the chicken is nearly done, reduce the heat to low and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well, letting the butter melt and the garlic become aromatic. Sauté for about 2 more minutes until the chicken is coated in the garlic butter.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add ½ cup of chicken broth, then season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Serve the pasta topped with the garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with chopped parsley. For an extra boost of flavor, drizzle with extra garlic butter.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: 650 kcal

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian option.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or Parmesan sauce for a little kick.
Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme to give the dish a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Add a little extra heavy cream or chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs

How can I make the garlic butter chicken bites more crispy?

For extra crispy chicken bites, try coating them in a light dusting of flour or cornstarch before cooking, or pan-fry them in a bit more oil.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute fettuccine with other pasta types like penne, spaghetti, or farfalle.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat them up and combine with fresh pasta.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if you have pre-cooked chicken, just toss it into the skillet with the garlic butter to heat through before serving.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, the chicken should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli would pair wonderfully with the creamy Parmesan pasta.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

For a low-carb version, replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, and keep the garlic butter chicken as is.

Can I freeze this dish?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken bites and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat and combine with fresh pasta when ready to eat.

How do I thicken the creamy Parmesan sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes, or add a bit more Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even mozzarella for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a deliciously indulgent meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself to something extra special. The combination of savory garlic butter chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta is irresistible, and the best part is how quick and easy it is to make. Whether you're feeding a family or enjoying a cozy dinner for yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.