Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Have you ever craved a meal that’s both indulgent and comforting, with every bite bursting with flavor? Look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta—a dish that combines tender chicken bites with velvety pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress dinner guests, this recipe delivers every time. Let’s dive into the details and bring this irresistible dish to life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine juicy, golden chicken bites drenched in garlic butter, paired with pasta coated in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce. This dish hits all the right notes:

• Comforting: The creamy pasta is the epitome of comfort food.
• Flavorful: Garlic butter, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese create a symphony of flavors.
• Easy to Make: You’ll need just one skillet and a pot for pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this incredible dish.

For the Chicken

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	1 lb (450 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Garlic powder	1/2 teaspoon
Salt and black pepper	To taste

For the Pasta

Ingredient	Amount
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)	300 g (10 oz)
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Heavy cream	1 1/2 cups (360 ml)
Parmesan cheese, grated	1/2 cup (50 g)
Italian seasoning	1/2 teaspoon
Salt and black pepper	To taste
Fresh parsley, chopped	2 tablespoons (+ extra for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, saving a cup of pasta water just in case the sauce needs thinning later. Set the cooked pasta aside.

2. Season and Sear the Chicken

Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.

3. Infuse with Garlic Butter

Lower the heat slightly, then add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the chicken in the fragrant garlic butter. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aroma. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Using the same skillet (no need to wash it!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it well to ensure every strand is coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in chopped parsley for a fresh, herby finish. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Assemble and Serve

Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it generously with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch the smiles appear around the table.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Creamy Pasta

• Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. A splash can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
• Fresh Garlic is Key: Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced jarred versions.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until golden and juicy. Overcooking can make it dry.
• Grate Your Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often has additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550-600 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fat	28 g
Saturated Fat	16 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	550 mg

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work perfectly in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, but for best results, cook the pasta fresh before serving.

3. Can I substitute heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or water to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

5. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu and proceed with the recipe.

6. What’s a good gluten-free pasta option?

Use any gluten-free pasta you like—just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is an experience that combines love, flavor, and joy in one skillet. As you savor each bite, you’ll realize how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical.

Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and share this delightful meal with your loved ones. Don’t forget to experiment with garnishes or pairings to make it uniquely yours.

If you loved this recipe, why not share it with a friend or bookmark it for later? Let the cooking adventure begin!

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