Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Crispy garlic butter chicken bites dance across my plate, promising a flavor explosion that’ll make dinner feel like a gourmet celebration.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle perfectly alongside silky pasta strands.

parmesan brings a delightful nutty richness to every single bite.

Mediterranean herbs add unexpected depth and complexity to this comforting meal.

My kitchen transforms into a culinary playground with these simple ingredients.

Weeknight meals just got an incredible upgrade that feels sophisticated yet totally approachable.

You’ll want to savor each mouthwatering forkful of this delectable dish.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta That Brings Easy Weeknight Joy

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality dinner without complex cooking techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines rich garlic butter chicken with creamy Parmesan pasta, creating a mouthwatering combination that satisfies multiple taste preferences in one dish.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with additional herbs or vegetables, making it adaptable for picky eaters and great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses simple, affordable ingredients while delivering maximum flavor, ensuring a delicious meal that doesn't break the bank.

Garlic Chicken Bites with Pasta – Pantry Breakdown

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the base of the dish, best when boneless and skinless.
• Salt, Pepper, Dried Thyme or Italian Seasoning: Essential for seasoning and enhancing chicken's flavor.

• Pasta: Carbohydrate foundation that carries the creamy sauce, any medium-sized pasta works well.
• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, smooth texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor during chicken cooking.
• Butter: Provides rich, golden taste and helps create garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh and aromatic ingredient that gives deep, robust flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds color and fresh herb notes.

Chicken Bites with Parmesan Sauce Cooking Steps

Step 1: Boil Perfect Pasta

Get a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in your pasta and cook it following the package guidelines.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Chicken Bites

Grab a skillet and warm up some olive oil with a dollop of butter over medium heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Italian seasoning

Toss the chicken into the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

You want those pieces golden brown and fully cooked.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt another chunk of butter.

Add minced garlic and let it dance around for 1-2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Return the chicken to the skillet and coat those bites in the luxurious garlic butter.

Give everything a quick 2-3 minute sauté.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Parmesan Magic

In a separate pan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.

Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Marry Chicken and Pasta

Introduce the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing until every strand is beautifully coated.

Nestle the garlic butter chicken bites on top or mix them throughout the pasta.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Plate up your creation while it’s piping hot.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and add an extra dusting of Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent.

Bon appétit!

Pasta and Chicken Tips for Garlic Parmesan Bites

• Stir pasta immediately after adding to boiling water and occasionally during cooking to keep noodles separate and prevent clumping.
• Remove skillet from heat momentarily if garlic starts browning too quickly, ensuring a fragrant and golden flavor without bitterness.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to help create a nice golden-brown exterior and lock in moisture during cooking.
• Adjust heavy cream sauce consistency by simmering longer for thicker sauce or adding a splash of pasta water to thin it out if needed.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use gluten-free pasta, or replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian alternative.

Chicken Bites with Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and chicken separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Let the dish cool completely to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
• Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Best Pairings for Chicken Bites With Parmesan Pasta

• Elevate Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Perfect Pairings
• Unlock Crisp White Wine Complement: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich, creamy pasta and balances the buttery chicken flavors.
• Create Fresh Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which adds zesty contrast and refreshing texture to the heavy, creamy main dish.
• Boost Herbal Garlic Bread Pairing: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread with fresh parsley and rosemary to enhance the garlic notes in the chicken and provide a crunchy side that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Enhance Roasted Vegetable Companion: Roast colorful vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini with olive oil and herbs to introduce vibrant, healthy elements that complement the indulgent pasta dish.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta Meal Variants

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat chicken for crispy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash. Use almond flour for chicken coating and reduce cream quantity.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. Maintain original seasoning and cooking method for similar flavor profile.

FAQs

• How do I get the chicken to brown evenly?

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning. This removes excess moisture and helps achieve a nice golden-brown color when cooking.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work great with this recipe. Choose a pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• What if I don't have dried thyme or Italian seasoning?

No problem. You can substitute with other dried herbs like oregano, or use a blend of dried basil and rosemary to add similar flavor depth to the chicken.

• Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and use less butter. You can also use Greek yogurt as a partial cream substitute to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

Delicate Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken bites mingle with creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible comfort dish. Crispy, tender chicken nestled in silky noodles promises a luxurious dinner that satisfies deep cravings and delights dinner companions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

Fats and Seasonings:

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Pasta and Cheese:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted pot of water and cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, then carefully drain and reserve.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil with a portion of butter over medium heat.
3. Season the chicken pieces with a blend of salt, pepper, and aromatic herbs, ensuring even coverage.
4. Introduce the seasoned chicken to the heated skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy internal temperatures.
5. Gently transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a holding plate, preserving its succulence.
6. Within the same skillet, melt additional butter and introduce finely chopped garlic, creating a fragrant base that will infuse the entire dish with rich, robust flavor.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet, delicately coating each morsel in the luxurious garlic butter mixture, enhancing its overall depth and complexity.
8. In a separate cooking vessel, create a velvety sauce by melting butter and incorporating heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
9. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and a whisper of garlic powder, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the sauce’s sophistication.
10. Allow the sauce to thicken and develop its creamy consistency, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
11. Combine the pasta with the luscious Parmesan sauce, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated.
12. Artfully arrange the garlic-kissed chicken atop or integrate it within the creamy pasta.
13. Present the dish immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan for a final touch of culinary elegance.

Notes

• Choose chicken breast that’s uniform in size for even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Keep heat at medium to prevent burning garlic and creating bitter sauce, which can ruin the delicate flavor profile.
• Customize pasta by substituting with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for low-carb diets.
• Reduce butter and use milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter, less caloric version without compromising taste.
• Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat or experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano to personalize dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg