Buttery Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious garlic butter chicken bites recipe dance with rich, velvety parmesan pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds.

Each morsel promises a delightful blend of crispy edges and succulent interior.

The golden-brown chicken bites nestle perfectly atop a bed of creamy pasta, promising a meal that speaks comfort and indulgence.

Fragrant garlic infuses every bite with warmth and depth.

Parmesan adds a nutty, sharp undertone that elevates the entire dish.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily craft at home.

Savor every forkful of this irresistible culinary creation that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Keeping Chicken Bites Pasta Fresh

  • Store leftover chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Place chicken and pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Gently reheat chicken and pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out, stirring constantly over medium-low heat.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Just ensure the chicken is cut into uniform cubes for even cooking and tender results.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is mild and flavorful. The seasonings like paprika and Italian herbs provide gentle warmth without heat. You can add red pepper flakes if you want some spice.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut a piece and ensure no pink remains in the center.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare components separately. Cook chicken and pasta, then reheat and combine with sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Crowd Appeal

  • Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this delicious meal in under half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
  • Elevate Everyday Dining: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses family and guests with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap pasta types, adjust seasonings, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own personal culinary creation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine juicy, seasoned chicken bites with a creamy, cheesy sauce that guarantees clean plates and happy taste buds.

Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender cubed meat that forms the protein base of the dish.
  • Pasta: Soft noodles that serve as the foundation for the creamy sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds rich flavor to the sauce.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic spices that enhance the chicken's overall taste profile.
Sauce and Cooking Components:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Flavorful fats that provide richness and help with cooking and sautéing.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds depth and aroma to both chicken and sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Smooth dairy product that creates a luxurious and velvety sauce texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid that adds extra depth and moisture to the sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright herb used as a fresh garnish to add color and light flavor.

How to Make Chicken Bites Pasta Easily

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Flavor Explosion

Grab your chicken and create a flavor party by mixing:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning

Heat a skillet with butter and olive oil.

Toss in minced garlic and let its aroma dance around.

Add seasoned chicken chunks and cook until they’re golden brown and completely done.

Move chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Pasta Water Magic

Boil pasta in salted water following package directions.

Before draining, capture a cup of pasta water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Drain remaining water.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt butter and welcome fragrant garlic.

Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese

Whisk everything until the sauce becomes smooth and dreamy.

If it’s too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach perfect consistency.

Step 4: Create Delicious Harmony

Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce.

Top with those incredible garlic butter chicken bites.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Tips for Creamy Chicken Pasta Lovers

  • Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
  • Gradually add reserved pasta water to create the ideal sauce consistency, preventing it from becoming too thick or thin.
  • Crush dried Italian seasoning between your fingers before adding to release more robust, aromatic flavors into the chicken.
  • Remove sauce from heat before stirring in parmesan to prevent grainy texture and ensure smooth, creamy results.
  • Chop parsley just before sprinkling to maintain vibrant color and maximize fresh, bright taste when serving.

Chicken Pasta Variations for New Flavors

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use cornstarch instead of flour for coating chicken.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables. Use almond flour for chicken coating to reduce carbohydrates.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Replace butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning. Mix sriracha or hot sauce into the creamy parmesan sauce for extra heat.

Serving Chicken Pasta with Style

  • Flavor Fusion Plate: Arrange chicken bites artfully over pasta, drizzling extra sauce to enhance visual appeal and taste.
  • Cheesy Herb Sprinkle: Grate additional parmesan and fresh parsley over the dish, adding bright color and rich texture.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the creamy pasta and garlic chicken with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
  • Side Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the main course.
Print
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Buttery Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Buttery Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter chicken bites dance deliciously with creamy parmesan pasta, creating a comforting meal that blends Italian-inspired flavors and rich textures. Succulent chicken pieces nestled in silky pasta promise a satisfying dinner that will quickly become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed (454 grams)

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Fats:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoning blend by mixing salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Evenly coat chicken cubes with the spice mixture.
  2. Heat a skillet with butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Introduce seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even golden browning and complete internal cooking.
  4. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, melt additional butter and briefly sauté fresh garlic.
  5. Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Whisk in parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
  6. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Before draining, reserve one cup of pasta water.
  7. Incorporate pasta into the creamy parmesan sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  8. Plate the creamy pasta and top with golden garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Enhance chicken flavor by marinating cubes in seasoning for 15-30 minutes before cooking for deeper taste penetration.
  • Control sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a silky texture that coats pasta perfectly.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version, maintaining creamy consistency while reducing calories.
  • Adapt recipe for gluten-free diets by using alternative pasta like chickpea or zucchini noodles and ensuring seasonings are gluten-free certified.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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