Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Get ready to fall in love at first bite with this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe! Imagine golden, juicy chicken morsels infused with garlic and Italian herbs, nestled on a bed of silky, Parmesan-rich pasta. This dish brings together everything we crave in comfort food: tender chicken, a luxurious creamy sauce, and a pop of freshness from chopped parsley. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Trust me, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is about to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a special purpose, coming together to create layers of flavor, a creamy texture, and inviting color. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component matters.
- Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces ensures quick cooking and juicy, tender results.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for that rich, savory garlic butter base — using unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole dish with its unmistakable aroma and flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that brings warmth and depth to the chicken bites.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and gives the chicken a beautiful golden hue.
- Salt: The backbone of any good savory dish, drawing out all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: A touch of spice that complements the creamy sauce and savory chicken.
- Fettuccine or linguine pasta: Long, flat pasta that soaks up the creamy Parmesan sauce beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it a luscious, velvety finish.
- Milk: Forms the base of the cream sauce, keeping it light and smooth.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and silkiness for that classic Alfredo-style texture.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient for that nutty, salty, creamy flavor in every bite.
- Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and a pop of color to the final dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to give it a good stir now and then to prevent sticking! Once the pasta is done, drain it and set aside — you’re already well on your way to an unforgettable plate of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Bites
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken sizzle undisturbed for a couple of minutes to get a gorgeous golden crust, then stir occasionally for 6–8 minutes until cooked through. This step is where the magic begins — the chicken becomes fragrant and beautifully browned.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Finish the Chicken
Toss in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic right into the skillet. Stir everything together for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is aromatic and just golden (but not browned). This infuses the chicken with that irresistible garlicky richness. Once you can’t resist the smell, scoop the chicken out of the pan and set it aside — you’ll return it to the party soon!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet (don’t wash away those flavorful brown bits!), sprinkle in the flour and whisk it for about 30 seconds to cook off the raw taste. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, silky sauce. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened, then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as it melts into a dreamy, creamy sauce that’s the soul of this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta right into the creamy sauce and toss to coat every strand. Return the golden chicken bites to the skillet and gently mix everything together. The sauce will cling to the pasta and envelop the chicken, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — you’re almost ready to serve!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta to plates or a large serving bowl. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for that extra pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
A finishing touch of chopped parsley is a must for both flavor and color, but you can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few twists of freshly ground black pepper for more flair. For those who love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish is satisfyingly rich, so lighter sides work well. Think a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette, some roasted or steamed broccoli, or a side of garlicky sautéed spinach. And if you’re feeling indulgent, warm garlic bread is always a welcome addition to soak up any leftover sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta family-style in a big, rustic bowl at the center of the table. Or, make individual pasta nests and top each with a few golden chicken bites and a shower of herbs — perfect for dinner parties! Leftovers also make a fabulous packed lunch, so don’t hesitate to dish it into meal prep containers for the week ahead.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day. Just make sure to let everything cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the pasta and sauce at their best.
Freezing
While Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate a bit upon thawing, but a good stir while reheating usually brings it back together.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much — this will revive its creamy texture. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking the chicken or making the pasta mushy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a wonderful alternative if you prefer a bit more richness and juiciness. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed; they’ll be just as delicious in this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping in your favorite gluten-free pasta and using a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce. The creamy, garlicky flavor will shine just as brightly!
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Definitely! Stirring in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even steamed broccoli adds color and nutritional value without overpowering the flavors. Just toss them in with the sauce or right before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The stovetop is the best method: warm the pasta and chicken gently over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or cream, stirring frequently. This helps keep everything creamy and prevents the chicken from drying out.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta ahead for a party?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce a day in advance, then cook fresh pasta and combine everything just before serving. This makes entertaining a breeze, and your guests will still get to enjoy that freshly-made flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and just a little bit indulgent, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s a true comfort food classic, easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. Give it a try — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Savor the perfect weeknight dinner with these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired with a savory, creamy Parmesan pasta. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned and cooked in garlic butter, then combined with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce tossed with fettuccine, creating a rich and comforting meal that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden and is cooked through.
- Add Garlic Butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Stir and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, sprinkle the flour over the remaining butter and whisk continuously for about 30 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Simmer the mixture for 3–4 minutes until it thickens.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is melted, creamy, and smooth.
- Toss Pasta & Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to evenly coat the noodles. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and combine thoroughly with the pasta and sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh finish and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for the milk and heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the skillet before adding the flour.
- Consider stirring in some baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes along with the pasta for additional texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
