Zesty Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Succulent garlic butter chicken bites dance deliciously with creamy parmesan pasta in a meal that promises pure comfort.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this irresistible combination.

Tender chicken pieces soak up rich, garlicky butter while complementing smooth pasta strands.

Parmesan adds a tangy depth that makes every bite memorable.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor in this simple yet impressive dish.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top bring brightness and color to the plate.

You’ll want to savor each delectable forkful of this restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Are So Satisfying

• Skillfully Seared Chicken: Perfectly golden-brown bites that lock in maximum flavor and create a restaurant-quality protein with minimal cooking expertise.
• Creamy Comfort in Minutes: A luxurious pasta dish that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent meal, delivering gourmet taste without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows personal touches like adjusting spice levels, swapping herbs, or adding extra vegetables for endless delicious variations.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for chicken and sauce, making this meal both delicious and practical for busy home cooks.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender white meat that provides lean protein and serves as the primary protein in this dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and provide basic seasoning.
• Dried Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes, Fresh Parsley: Herbs and spices that add depth, warmth, and a fresh herbal note to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for achieving a golden-brown sear on the chicken.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth, luxurious garlic butter sauce.

• Garlic: Provides a robust, pungent flavor that infuses the chicken and creates a fragrant base for the sauce.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the base for the creamy parmesan sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that creates a creamy and flavorful sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers a rich, smooth texture to the pasta sauce.

• Additional Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green finishing touch to the dish.

Easy Instructions For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prep And Season Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into even, bite-sized cubes. Sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange chicken pieces with space between them to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Cook until each side develops a crispy crust.

Step 3: Cook Chicken Thoroughly

Continue cooking chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, transfer to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

Lower skillet heat to medium. Melt butter and add minced garlic. Stir constantly to prevent burning, cooking until garlic becomes fragrant and turns light golden.

Step 5: Enhance Chicken With Herbs

• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley

Toss to distribute herbs evenly.

Step 6: Prepare Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Before draining, save 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 7: Create Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Return empty pasta pot to stove. Pour heavy cream and simmer on low heat. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add reserved pasta water to the cream sauce, stirring to achieve desired consistency. Gently fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Plate And Serve

Transfer creamy parmesan pasta to serving plates. Top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Even More Flavorful

• Prevent Burning Garlic: Watch the garlic closely while sautéing to avoid bitter, burnt flavor; remove from heat instantly if it starts turning dark brown.
• Achieve Perfect Chicken Sear: Create space between chicken pieces in the skillet to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior without steaming the meat.
• Master Pasta Water Magic: Save pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Select Quality Parmesan: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for richer flavor and smoother texture compared to pre-packaged grated varieties.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust cream sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water gradually, creating a luxurious coating that isn't too thick or thin.

Yummy Twists For Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Pasta: Replace parmesan with crumbled feta cheese, add diced kalamata olives, and swap red pepper flakes for za'atar seasoning for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy garlic butter chicken essence.
• Dairy-Free Adaptable Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of parmesan, and olive oil as butter substitute to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Replace chicken with crispy pan-seared tofu cubes, seasoned identically and prepared using same cooking method for a plant-based protein equivalent.

What Goes Well With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites And Parmesan Pasta

• Pair Zesty White Wine with Rich Chicken: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the creamy parmesan sauce, balancing the garlic butter's richness with bright acidity.
• Complement with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with arugula, basil, and lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken and pasta dish.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough or Italian bread slices brushed with olive oil and herbs will perfectly soak up extra parmesan cream sauce and enhance the meal's texture.
• Serve Chilled Sparkling Water with Lemon: A crisp, bubbly beverage helps cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the dish's richness and providing a light, refreshing accompaniment.

How To Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Pasta

• Store leftover chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Pasta and chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place chicken and pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chicken and pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• How do I ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This guarantees the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while maintaining its juicy texture.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with alternatives like fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Choose a pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce well and complements the chicken bites.

• What if I want to make this dish less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. If you prefer no heat at all, you can completely skip this ingredient without affecting the overall flavor of the dish.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken bites dance with creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible comfort meal. Crispy chicken morsels nestled in silky sauce promise a delightful dinner that satisfies your deepest cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Pasta Components:

• 12 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pasta water
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing space between each bite to achieve a golden-brown sear.
3. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until exterior is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside on a clean plate.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic, stirring continuously to prevent burning, and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1 minute.
5. Reintroduce chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the garlic butter. Sprinkle dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley over the chicken, tossing to distribute evenly.
6. Simultaneously, boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
7. Return empty pasta pot to stove, pour in heavy cream, and simmer on low heat. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
8. Add reserved pasta water to the cream sauce, stirring to achieve desired consistency. Fold cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Transfer creamy parmesan pasta to serving plates, top with garlic butter chicken bites, and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture, ensuring each bite is perfectly tender and golden.
• Create space between chicken pieces during searing to develop a beautiful caramelized exterior without steaming the meat, which locks in maximum flavor.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the most luxurious and smooth sauce, avoiding pre-packaged cheese that can contain anti-caking agents affecting texture.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta, maintaining the delicious garlic butter chicken essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 715
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg