Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite things: garlic butter chicken and creamy pasta. The chicken bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drenched in a garlic butter sauce that makes every bite irresistible. The creamy Parmesan pasta, with its velvety sauce, balances the rich chicken perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a special meal, this recipe is always a winner!

Ingredients

For the garlic butter chicken bites:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the creamy Parmesan pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a little bit of pasta water in case you need to loosen up the sauce later.

2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme (or Italian seasoning) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Combine the Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter. Then, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

5. Mix the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

6. Garnish and Serve: Once the pasta is well coated, remove from heat. Serve the creamy garlic butter chicken pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. The prep time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 minutes. In total, you’ll have this delicious and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes!

Variations

• Add Veggies: For a boost of nutrition, you can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the chicken.

• Lemon Zest: If you love a little brightness, add some freshly grated lemon zest to the garlic butter sauce for a burst of citrus flavor.

• Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the garlic butter sauce or drizzle the finished dish with a bit of sriracha.

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even mozzarella for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste may change depending on the cheese you choose.

Can I make this dish lighter?

To make this dish lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk option. You can also reduce the amount of butter or use a butter substitute to reduce the fat content.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it first. Cooking frozen chicken pieces directly in the skillet can result in uneven cooking, so it’s best to thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge before using.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the pasta, chicken, and sauce separately and then combine them when ready to serve. Keep the components in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Can I add extra seasonings to the sauce?

Absolutely! If you want to customize the flavor, you can add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh basil for more depth.

Conclusion

Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect meal for any occasion. It’s rich, comforting, and full of savory flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Quick to make, full of flavor, and indulgent—what’s not to love? Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen!