Tender Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Crispy garlic butter chicken bites dance deliciously alongside creamy parmesan pasta, promising an irresistible dinner adventure.

Weeknight meals rarely sparkle with such elegant simplicity.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle into a golden butter sauce that whispers comfort and flavor.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth to each carefully crafted bite.

Subtle garlic notes weave through tender meat and silky noodles, creating magic on your plate.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum satisfaction in this quick and impressive recipe.

Hungry souls will find pure culinary joy waiting just moments away.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Delight

  • Savor Quick Comfort: This recipe delivers mouthwatering flavors in minimal prep steps, perfect for busy home cooks craving a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Combines kid-friendly chicken with creamy pasta, making it an ideal dinner option that appeals to both adults and children at the family table.
  • Master One-Skillet Magic: Streamlines cooking by preparing chicken and pasta in the same pan, reducing cleanup time and simplifying the entire meal preparation process.
  • Customize with Ease: Allows flexible ingredient swaps like different pasta shapes or adding extra vegetables, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and pantry availability.

Ingredients For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender pieces that serve as the primary protein in this comforting dish.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and richness to the dish.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a bright, herbal note.
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory profile of the chicken.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture in the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Pasta: Serves as the perfect vehicle for the creamy, flavorful sauce.

How To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Season Chicken Pieces

Grab your chicken and sprinkle salt and pepper all over, making sure each piece gets a delicious coating of seasoning. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle, releasing its aromatic magic. Swirl the garlic around until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color, but don’t let it burn.

Step 3: Brown Chicken to Perfection

Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces into the buttery garlic pan. Allow each piece to sear and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides.

Step 4: Create Delicious Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, creating a flavorful bath for the chicken. Let the chicken simmer gently in the liquid, allowing it to cook through completely. The broth will help keep the chicken juicy and infuse extra flavor.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Sauce

Introduce heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. The cream will create a luxurious coating that clings to every bite.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta gets completely coated in the rich, garlicky sauce. The pasta will soak up all the incredible flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the chicken and pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and the sauce is gloriously creamy.

Expert Advice For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Select chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites that stay tender during cooking.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and crispy exterior.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by adding extra chicken broth if too thick or simmering longer to reduce and thicken.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish while maintaining creamy texture.

Variations To Try For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Spicy Kick Edition: Replace regular black pepper with cayenne or red pepper flakes, adding a zesty heat to the chicken bites. Use jalapeño-infused olive oil for extra spice.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and basil into the chicken seasoning. Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese and mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
  • Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta: Add fresh lemon zest and juice to the sauce for brightness. Sprinkle chopped fresh dill and chives over the dish, creating a light and refreshing version of the original recipe.
  • Mushroom Lovers' Version: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the garlic before adding chicken. Include a splash of white wine for depth and richness in the sauce.

Suggested Pairings For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the garlic butter chicken and parmesan pasta.
  • Enhance with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the dish and add a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Roasted Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty bread with herb-infused olive oil to soak up the delicious sauce and provide extra texture.
  • Add Bright Vegetable Side: Roast asparagus or green beans with garlic and parmesan to echo the dish's flavors while introducing a nutritious vegetable element.

Storage Tips For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and pasta remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and pasta to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Separate pasta and chicken if possible to maintain better texture.
  • Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed thoroughly. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
  • Warm slightly in skillet over low heat. Add extra cream or broth to prevent sticking and restore creamy consistency.

FAQs On Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders. Just ensure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked thoroughly.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. It has a rich, buttery, and creamy flavor with garlic notes. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce butter quantity, and opt for low-fat cream or half-and-half to create a lighter version of the dish.

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Tender Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Tender Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter chicken bites dance with creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible comfort meal. Succulent chicken morsels nestled on silky noodles promise a quick, delectable dinner you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into small pieces

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cooked pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Massage chicken pieces with a blend of salt and pepper, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, allowing garlic to sizzle and release its aromatic essence until golden and fragrant.
  3. Carefully introduce seasoned chicken to the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a rich, caramelized exterior by cooking undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, creating a flavorful liquid base that will gently simmer the chicken to perfect doneness at 165°F internal temperature.
  5. Transform the sauce by whisking in velvety heavy cream and nutty Parmesan cheese, stirring until the mixture becomes luxuriously smooth and integrated.
  6. Introduce cooked pasta directly into the skillet, gently folding the noodles to ensure they’re thoroughly coated with the creamy, garlicky sauce.
  7. Plate the dish by artfully arranging the golden chicken bites atop the creamy pasta, finishing with a vibrant sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Notes

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor compared to chicken breasts.
  • Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
  • Adjust garlic intensity by adding roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter taste or fresh minced garlic for a sharper kick.
  • Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make the dish low-carb and suitable for different dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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