Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Savory Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Succulent garlic butter chicken bites dance perfectly with creamy parmesan pasta, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

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

Juicy chicken pieces gleam with golden edges, promising pure deliciousness in every single bite.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction for hungry souls craving comfort food.

parmesan rich, nutty essence weaves through tender chicken and silky pasta strands.

Quick preparation meets gourmet taste, making this dish a total game-changer for home cooks.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible meal that comes together in less than thirty minutes.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta — What Sets It Apart

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta — What Sets It Apart
  • Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal kitchen time and effort.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable to personal taste preferences, allowing home cooks to adjust spices and seasonings without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Deliciousness: Combines classic flavors of garlic, butter, and Parmesan that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family meal solution.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a straightforward cooking process using just a single skillet, reducing post-meal dish washing hassle.

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender, diced protein that provides the main source of protein in the dish.
  • Pasta: Classic base that serves as the foundation for the creamy Parmesan sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Rich dairy product that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and creaminess to the sauce.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Paprika, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice combination that enhances the chicken's flavor profile.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb mix that provides aromatic and traditional Italian taste notes.
Aromatics and Finishing Touches:
  • Garlic, Butter: Flavor-building ingredients that create a rich and savory base for both chicken and sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional herb garnish that adds a bright, fresh element to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Bites Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Bites Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until perfectly tender.

Save a bit of pasta water before draining the noodles completely.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Grab your diced chicken and sprinkle with:
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 3: Sizzle Chicken

Heat a skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and let it become wonderfully aromatic.

Toss in seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt more butter and quickly sauté fresh garlic.

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Stir until the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Enhance with:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency and make it perfectly creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Gently mix cooked pasta into the luxurious Parmesan sauce.

Add the golden chicken bites either on top or stir them directly into the pasta.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the dish while it’s steaming hot.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor.

Pro Tips for Creamy Parmesan Perfection

  • Marinate chicken in garlic and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
  • Always reserve pasta water to create silky, clingy sauce that coats noodles evenly without becoming dry.
  • Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, preventing it from becoming too thick or runny.
  • Use medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure chicken remains juicy and golden brown.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil just before serving to add bright, fresh flavor and visual appeal.

Variations to Customize Chicken Bites Pasta

  • Spicy Kick Variation: Replace paprika with cayenne pepper and add red pepper flakes to the chicken for a fiery version. Incorporate sriracha or hot sauce into the creamy Parmesan sauce for extra heat.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta like rice or chickpea pasta. Substitute wheat flour-based seasonings with cornstarch or gluten-free alternatives for coating chicken.
  • Mediterranean Remix: Swap Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh oregano to the sauce. Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or lamb for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
  • Lighter Wellness Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. Select boneless chicken breast, reduce butter quantity, and incorporate more herbs like basil and thyme. Choose whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.

Serving Inspirations for Chicken Bites Pasta

  • Pasta Night Party Platter: Create a stunning family-style serving board with the pasta and chicken bites spread across a large wooden board, sprinkled with extra parsley and grated Parmesan.
  • Quick Meal Companion: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and provide a fresh contrast to the garlic butter chicken.
  • Wine and Dine Upgrade: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of unoaked Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio that will enhance the creamy sauce and subtle garlic notes.
  • Leftover Magic: Store the chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers, which can be quickly reheated for a delicious next-day lunch, adding a splash of pasta water to revive the sauce's creamy texture.

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and pasta to maintain texture.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor.
  • Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta, cover with a damp paper towel, and reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore sauce consistency and prevent dryness.

FAQs

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

You can use either chicken breast or thighs. Chicken breasts will be leaner, while thighs offer more flavor and tenderness. Just ensure the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked thoroughly.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is not inherently spicy. The seasonings like paprika and black pepper provide mild flavor without heat. If you want spiciness, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

To make it healthier, use whole wheat pasta, reduce butter quantity, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and choose skinless chicken. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken bites dance alongside creamy parmesan pasta in this irresistible comfort meal. Italian-inspired flavors meld perfectly, creating a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies deep hunger and delivers maximum flavor in minimal time.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1/2 cup of pasta cooking liquid before draining the pasta completely.
  2. Thoroughly coat diced chicken pieces with a blend of paprika, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each morsel is evenly seasoned.
  3. Heat butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen. Gently introduce seasoned chicken chunks and cook, rotating periodically, until each piece transforms into a golden-brown perfection and reaches complete internal doneness.
  4. Within the same skillet, melt additional butter and quickly sauté fresh garlic. Stream heavy cream into the pan, gradually incorporating Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the sauce achieves a silky, uniform consistency. Enhance with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, strategically adding reserved pasta liquid to calibrate sauce thickness.
  5. Delicately fold cooked pasta into the luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating. Integrate the prepared garlic butter chicken bites directly into the pasta or artfully arrange them atop the creamy base.
  6. Present immediately while piping hot, embellishing with freshly chopped parsley or an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Choose tender chicken breast cuts for uniform, succulent bites that cook evenly and remain juicy.
  • Dice chicken into consistent bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, balanced cooking and attractive presentation.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, creating a silky, clingy texture that perfectly coats pasta and chicken.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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