When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the decadence of a creamy pasta paired with tender chicken bites. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe brings together a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The juicy chicken bites, seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, are smothered in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta.
This dish holds a special place in my heart it’s my go-to recipe for weeknights when I crave something indulgent yet easy to prepare. It’s also been a showstopper for family gatherings and dinner parties, earning rave reviews every single time. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your dinner routine, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz fettuccine (or your pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook it until al dente, as per the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, as it can be used later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for about 4–5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently in the creamy sauce until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Return the chicken bites to the skillet, mixing them into the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Variations of this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Low-Carb Twist: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to create a keto-friendly version.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese into the sauce for extra richness.
Cooking Notes:
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure juicy chicken bites, avoid overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, the reserved pasta water is your secret weapon to bring it back to a silky consistency.
- Cheese Tips: Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and meltability. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dishes: Pair this pasta with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Bread Pairing: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips:
- Meal Prep: Dice the chicken and mince the garlic ahead of time to streamline your cooking process.
- Leftover Magic: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe to have extra servings ready for the week. This dish reheats beautifully and is a lifesaver for busy schedules.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 680
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 2g
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQ:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well in this recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
While the chicken freezes well, the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating. If you need to freeze, store the chicken and pasta separately and prepare the sauce fresh when serving.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a creamy, dairy-free version.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Ensure the heat is kept to medium while simmering the sauce and stir continuously. Avoid boiling the sauce, as high heat can cause curdling.
Conclusion:
There’s something undeniably satisfying about creating a meal that feels luxurious but is easy to prepare. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is exactly that a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers big on flavor and comfort.
Whether you’re serving this for a dinner party, a romantic date night, or a weeknight family dinner, this recipe will undoubtedly become a staple in your household. Try it out today, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below! If you loved this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Pasta recipe, check out more of our creamy pasta dishes and easy chicken recipes for your next meal inspiration.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz fettuccine (or your pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook it until al dente, as per the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, as it can be used later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for about 4–5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently in the creamy sauce until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Return the chicken bites to the skillet, mixing them into the pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure juicy chicken bites, avoid overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, the reserved pasta water is your secret weapon to bring it back to a silky consistency.
- Cheese Tips: Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and meltability. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 680
- Sodium: 850
- Protein: 42