If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, comforting, and easy-to-make meal, look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish is the perfect blend of succulent chicken pieces coated in a rich, garlic-infused butter sauce paired with creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party.
This dish has everything you want in comfort food: it’s hearty, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. With juicy, golden-brown chicken bites cooked in a delicious garlic butter sauce and creamy pasta smothered in a Parmesan sauce, you really can’t go wrong. Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible meal in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
What makes this recipe such a standout? Here are a few reasons why it will become one of your go-to meals:
- Flavor-packed: The garlic butter chicken is rich and savory, with the perfect balance of spices, while the creamy Parmesan pasta adds a touch of richness and a cheesy depth that will leave you craving more.
- Comforting and hearty: This dish is the ultimate comfort food with tender chicken and creamy pasta. It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for any time you need a big, flavorful meal.
- Quick and easy: Despite its restaurant-quality taste, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious, homemade meal in under 45 minutes!
- Customizable: Want to add some vegetables for extra nutrition? Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added flavor and color. You can even make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Ready to get cooking? Let’s go over the ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
For this dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are staples in many kitchens, so chances are you already have most of them on hand. Here’s what you’ll need for the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and the Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
For the Chicken Bites:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): Chicken breasts are ideal for this dish because they cook quickly and stay tender and juicy. You could also use thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- 2 tbsp butter: Butter gives the chicken a rich, savory flavor and helps achieve that golden-brown sear.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil helps with cooking the chicken, preventing it from sticking to the pan.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is key to making this dish aromatic and flavorful.
- 1 tsp paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness to the chicken and a beautiful color.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Onion powder enhances the flavor without the harshness of raw onion.
- ½ tsp dried oregano: Oregano adds a touch of Italian flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.
- ½ tsp dried thyme: Thyme brings an earthy, savory note to the dish.
- ½ tsp salt: Always important to bring out the flavors in your food.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a slight peppery kick.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat. You can omit this if you prefer a milder flavor.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping): Parmesan adds an extra layer of cheesiness on top of the chicken bites.
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice): You can use any pasta you like, but fettuccine is an ideal choice for this creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp butter: For sautéing the garlic and creating the creamy base of the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds flavor to the sauce and ties the dish together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to making the sauce rich and creamy. You could also use half-and-half if you want something a bit lighter.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds flavor and helps to thin out the sauce without making it too rich.
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the creamy sauce! You’ll want to use fresh, high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
- ½ tsp salt: To taste, but be careful as the Parmesan is already quite salty.
- ½ tsp black pepper: For a little added spice and balance.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick, if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
The first step is to cook your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Once the pasta is done, drain it, saving a cup of pasta water to help thin out the sauce later if needed. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with paprika, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Be sure to coat each piece of chicken evenly with the spices.
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter to the pan. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low, and add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. At this point, the chicken will be coated in a delicious garlic butter sauce. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to cook the sauce for another 2 minutes, letting the cheese melt completely and the sauce reach a creamy consistency.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing it to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to help loosen it up.
Once the pasta is fully coated in the sauce, top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Give everything a final toss, ensuring the chicken is mixed into the creamy pasta.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan for an added burst of flavor and color. Serve the dish warm, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese can be convenient, but it doesn’t have the same flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken until it’s golden brown but not overcooked. Chicken that’s cooked too long can become dry and tough.
- Make it lighter: You can lighten up this recipe by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and omitting the butter for a healthier version. The flavor will still be delicious, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Add veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra nutrients, consider adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them with the garlic in the butter before adding the cream for the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, you can also pair it with some sides to complete the meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic bread: A classic side that’s perfect for soaking up the extra creamy sauce.
- Green salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted vegetables: If you want to add some extra nutrition, roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots would pair beautifully with this meal.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a meal that has all the makings of a classic comfort food. It’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and will please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress!