The Golden Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Succulent cheesy garlic butter chicken bites dance with creamy parmesan pasta in a meal that promises pure comfort.

Aromas wafting from the kitchen will make everyone’s stomach rumble with anticipation.

Tender chicken pieces glisten with golden butter and fragrant garlic notes.

Parmesan’s rich depth transforms simple ingredients into something magical and irresistible.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Simplicity meets gourmet in this crowd-pleasing recipe you can whip up faster than ordering takeout.

Prepare to fall in love with every single bite of this soul-warming dish.

Why Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Are So Good

• Craft with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, even beginners can master these delicious chicken bites.
• Comfort Food Champion: Creamy Parmesan sauce and cheesy chicken create a rich, satisfying meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal complexity.
• Family Dinner Winner: Kids and adults will love the tender chicken meatballs and indulgent pasta, making it a crowd-pleasing option for busy weeknight meals.
• One-Skillet Magic: Prepare the entire dish in a single pan, reducing cleanup time and simplifying the cooking process for busy home chefs who want delicious results without extensive kitchen work.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta

• Ground Chicken: A lean and versatile meat that forms the base of the delicious chicken bites.
• Egg: Helps bind the chicken mixture and provides moisture to the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Work together to create a crispy and flavorful coating for the chicken bites.
• Minced Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Add depth and complexity to the chicken mixture, enhancing its overall taste.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth, Parmesan Cheese: Combine to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken bites.
• Pasta: Serves as the perfect base for the creamy sauce and chicken.
• Chopped Parsley: Provides a fresh garnish and adds a pop of color to the dish.

How to Make Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Mix Chicken Meatball Ingredients

• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything thoroughly and shape into small, bite-sized meatballs.

Step 2: Golden Brown the Meatballs

Warm butter in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the chicken meatballs into the pan.

Cook for 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even browning. The meatballs should develop a beautiful golden exterior and be completely cooked through.

Transfer the meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Garlic Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt fresh butter.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese

Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing gently to ensure every strand is beautifully coated.

Return the golden meatballs to the skillet, spooning extra sauce over them.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the cheesy garlic chicken meatballs and pasta immediately.

Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Tips to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Pasta

• Choose fresh, lean ground chicken with about 90% lean meat for the most tender and flavorful meatballs without excess grease.
• Wet your hands with cold water before forming meatballs to keep the mixture from clinging to your fingers and ensure smooth, even shapes.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out while maintaining rich, creamy texture.
• Toast Italian seasoning in the butter for 30 seconds before mixing into the chicken mixture to enhance the herb's aromatic qualities.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken meatballs reach 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.

Variations to Try with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Bites: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and add diced jalapeños for a zesty kick. Swap Parmesan sauce with a creamy chipotle sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bites: Incorporate chopped fresh oregano, mint, and feta cheese into the meatballs. Create a light lemon-herb cream sauce instead of the Parmesan version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Keep the chicken bites and garlic Parmesan sauce intact for a lighter, veggie-friendly meal.

Pairing Ideas for Cheesy Chicken Bites and Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cheesy sauce, balancing the creamy flavors with its bright, acidic notes.
• Complement with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast that refreshes the palate between bites of the hearty chicken and pasta.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve toasted, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up the extra creamy Parmesan sauce and add an extra layer of garlicky goodness to the meal.

Storing Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Transfer chicken bites and pasta to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate chicken and pasta to maintain better texture when reheating.

Place portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute and provides a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken.

• How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Mix ingredients thoroughly and ensure the breadcrumbs and egg act as binding agents. Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes before forming meatballs to help them hold together better.

• Is this recipe considered kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild seasonings and cheesy sauce make this dish appealing to children, and the small meatball size is easy for kids to eat.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta deliver a mouthwatering symphony of rich flavors and comforting textures. Savory chicken pieces nestled in velvety pasta promise a delightful meal that satisfies deep cravings and brings warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground chicken
• 1 egg

For the Chicken Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Fats and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (12 oz) spaghetti or linguine

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Instructions

1. Combine ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently shape into compact, bite-sized spheres ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
2. Warm 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet at medium heat (375°F). Carefully place chicken bites, rotating every 2-3 minutes to achieve golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 6-8 minutes total.
3. Using the same skillet, melt additional butter and introduce minced garlic. Sauté for 60 seconds until aromatic, releasing rich flavor without burning.
4. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Whisk in Parmesan cheese, allowing sauce to simmer and reduce for 3-4 minutes until it reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Incorporate cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating of each pasta strand.
6. Reintroduce chicken bites into the skillet, delicately spooning sauce over each morsel to maximize flavor absorption.
7. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan and finely chopped parsley for a vibrant, appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly and reduce potential allergen risks.
• Incorporate extra herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the flavor profile and add depth to the chicken bites.
• Consider reducing heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich sauce option that maintains creaminess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg