Introduction
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a decadent and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, velvety pasta sauce.
The garlic butter coating on the chicken adds a savory depth, while the creamy Parmesan sauce brings a luxurious texture to the pasta.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its restaurant-quality taste and simplicity.
The best part about this dish is how easily it comes together in just 30 minutes.
The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan creates a harmony of flavors that pairs beautifully with the perfectly cooked chicken bites.
Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests, this meal delivers both comfort and elegance in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Bites:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken
breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your
choice
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra garlic butter (optional, for
drizzling))
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of
salted water and cook the pasta
according to package instructions
until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken Bites: In a large
skillet, heat olive oil over medium-
high heat.
Add the chicken bites,
seasoning with salt, pepper, and
Italian seasoning. Cook until golden
brown and cooked through, about 6- 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the
same skillet, reduce the heat to
medium and add the butter.
Once
melted, add the minced garlic and
sauté for about 30 seconds until
fragrant.
Return the cooked chicken
to the skillet and toss to coat in the
garlic butter sauce.
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan
Sauce: In a separate skillet, melt 2
tablespoons of butter over medium
heat. Add the minced garlic and
sauté for another 30 seconds.
Stir in
the heavy cream and chicken broth,
bringing the mixture to a gentle
simmer.
Gradually whisk in the
grated Parmesan cheese until
smooth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the
cooked pasta in the creamy
Parmesan sauce, ensuring it’s well
coated.
Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan
pasta and top with the garlic butter
chicken bites. Drizzle with extra
garlic butter if desired and garnish
with fresh parsley
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly less thick.
Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the dish.
If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper will give the sauce a subtle kick.
Vegetarians can enjoy this dish by replacing the chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
Sautéed mushrooms, especially cremini or shiitake, absorb the garlic butter beautifully and provide a meaty texture.
For extra protein, chickpeas or white beans can also be stirred into the pasta for a hearty twist.
To switch up the pasta, try using gluten-free noodles or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
Adding vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers can enhance the nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the dish.
The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to adapt to different dietary preferences.
Tips
For the juiciest chicken bites, avoid overcrowding the skillet while cooking.
This ensures even browning and prevents the chicken from steaming instead of searing. Patting the chicken dry before seasoning also helps achieve a golden crust.
If you have time, letting the chicken marinate in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for 15-20 minutes will deepen the flavor.
When making the creamy Parmesan sauce, grate the cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Stir the cheese gradually over low heat to prevent clumping. If the sauce thickens too much, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it to the perfect consistency.
For an extra layer of flavor, toast the garlic slightly in the butter before adding the cream. Be careful not to burn it, as bitter garlic can overpower the dish.
Garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving enhances both taste and presentation.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The sauce may thicken upon cooling, so when reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore its creamy texture.
Gently warm the pasta and chicken in a skillet over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.
If you plan to make this dish ahead, prepare the components separately.
Store the cooked chicken and pasta in different containers, then combine them with the sauce when ready to serve.
This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.
Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy-based sauce may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites separately and make a fresh batch of pasta and sauce when ready to enjoy the meal again.