There’s something irresistible about a meal that brings together tender chicken bites, golden and fragrant with garlic butter, and a luscious creamy Parmesan pasta. This recipe is a symphony of rich, comforting flavors, blending perfectly seasoned chicken with a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly dinner or a meal that impresses guests, this dish has you covered.
Imagine a chilly evening, when the day’s busyness fades into the warmth of a home-cooked meal. This recipe is as much about the joy of cooking as it is about indulging in a satisfying plate of food. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and only about 30 minutes of your time.
What sets this recipe apart is its balance of simplicity and elegance. The garlic butter chicken is seared to perfection, with crisp edges that lock in its juicy interior, while the creamy Parmesan pasta provides a rich, indulgent base. Tossed with a hint of garlic and seasoned just right, this dish is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into a memorable culinary experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when time is short but you want a meal that feels special.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love the creamy pasta, and adults appreciate the bold garlic butter flavors.
- Minimal Cleanup: Both the chicken and the sauce are made in the same skillet, keeping cleanup simple.
- Customizable: Easily add vegetables or adjust spices to suit your taste.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: You’ll feel like a chef serving this indulgent yet easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Bites:
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (about 450g), boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta: 12 ounces (about 340g) of your choice, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml)
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup (120ml)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure they brown nicely.
- Cook Until Golden: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip the pieces and cook for another 4 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Set Aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Prepare the Base: Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the Liquids: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy Parmesan sauce until every piece is evenly coated. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve the Dish
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta onto serving dishes and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grating fresh Parmesan cheese ensures a smoother, creamier sauce compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Pasta Water Magic: The reserved pasta water is starchy and helps to bind the sauce to the pasta while keeping it silky. Don’t skip this step!
- Batch Cooking: If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
- Veggie Additions: Add spinach, steamed broccoli, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust Spices: If you love a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken or sauce.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Note
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Chicken Option: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.
- Pasta Choices: Works with whole wheat, gluten-free pasta, or zucchini noodles.
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken bites and sauce in advance. Store them separately, and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
What type of pasta works best?
This dish works beautifully with long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti, but short pastas like penne or rigatoni are equally delicious.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go.
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Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple enough for a casual dinner but elegant enough to impress guests. The combination of juicy chicken, buttery garlic flavors, and a creamy pasta sauce is truly unbeatable. So grab your skillet and treat yourself to this cozy, restaurant-worthy meal tonight—you deserve it!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Description
There’s something irresistible about a meal that brings together tender chicken bites, golden and fragrant with garlic butter, and a luscious creamy Parmesan pasta. This recipe is a symphony of rich, comforting flavors, blending perfectly seasoned chicken with a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly dinner or a meal that impresses guests, this dish has you covered.
Imagine a chilly evening, when the day’s busyness fades into the warmth of a home-cooked meal. This recipe is as much about the joy of cooking as it is about indulging in a satisfying plate of food. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and only about 30 minutes of your time.
What sets this recipe apart is its balance of simplicity and elegance. The garlic butter chicken is seared to perfection, with crisp edges that lock in its juicy interior, while the creamy Parmesan pasta provides a rich, indulgent base. Tossed with a hint of garlic and seasoned just right, this dish is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into a memorable culinary experience.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (about 450g), boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons, divided
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta: 12 ounces (about 340g) of your choice, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml)
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup (120ml)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan to ensure they brown nicely.
- Cook Until Golden: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip the pieces and cook for another 4 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Add Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Set Aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Prepare the Base: Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the Liquids: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy Parmesan sauce until every piece is evenly coated. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve the Dish
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta onto serving dishes and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Chicken Option: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.
- Pasta Choices: Works with whole wheat, gluten-free pasta, or zucchini noodles.
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.
