Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Tangy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Crispy, golden garlic butter chicken bites dance deliciously alongside creamy parmesan pasta, promising a meal that sparks instant comfort.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that delight everyone at the table.

Succulent chicken pieces get coated in a rich, aromatic butter blend that guarantees maximum flavor.

parmesan adds a luxurious depth to each perfectly twirled pasta strand, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish in under thirty minutes.

Salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs elevate these simple components into something truly spectacular.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Are Delicious

  • Boost Family Meal Satisfaction: Packed with bold flavors and creamy textures that appeal to both kids and adults, this dish transforms ordinary chicken and pasta into an exciting dinner everyone will love.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal in less than 30 minutes with minimal kitchen skills.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that welcomes personal touches like swapping protein, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to match individual preferences and dietary needs.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking chicken, creating sauce, and combining ingredients, making meal preparation and post-dinner cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that absorbs the flavorful garlic butter sauce perfectly.
Pasta:
  • Pasta: A classic base that captures the creamy Parmesan sauce and provides a satisfying texture.
Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: A blend of spices that adds depth and warmth to the chicken.
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Create a rich and golden base for cooking the chicken and building the sauce.
  • Garlic: Provides a bold and aromatic flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Form the creamy foundation of the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, warm background note to the creamy sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh finish to the rich and creamy dish.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water following the package directions. Once perfectly tender, drain and set the pasta aside, ready for its delicious destiny.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in chicken pieces seasoned with:
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes

Cook until the chicken turns golden brown and is completely cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Magic

In the same skillet, melt additional butter and add minced garlic.

Sauté for a quick minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet.

Stir in:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Nutmeg

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes, developing rich, complex flavors.

Step 5: Marry the Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing until every strand is beautifully coated.

Return the chicken bites to the pan and gently mix everything together.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top and serve this mouthwatering dish piping hot.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Helpful Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Enhance flavor by using freshly grated Parmesan for a richer, more authentic taste. Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes to suit personal preferences. Opt for chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for juicier, more tender meat. Choose whole wheat pasta for a healthier alternative that adds extra nutritional value. Keep the sauce creamy by stirring continuously and avoiding high heat to prevent separation.

New Flavors for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free option.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Remix: Substitute Italian seasoning with oregano, thyme, and basil, and add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes, add diced jalapeños during chicken cooking, and incorporate hot sauce into the creamy sauce for extra heat.

Best Pairings with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Cozy Date Night Delight: Impress your partner with this romantic dinner that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience right at home.
  • Weeknight Family Feast: Create a quick, satisfying meal that keeps everyone happy and asks for seconds with minimal cooking time.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion out these chicken bites and creamy pasta for easy lunch containers that'll make colleagues jealous during office lunch breaks.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in a large sharing dish for friends watching sports, providing a hearty and flavorful alternative to typical game snacks.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can reduce or completely omit them if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

  • What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. Most kitchen spice collections will have these basic herbs.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce butter quantity, opt for low-fat cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

Print
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Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Tangy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Tangy Parmesan Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta combine Mediterranean flavors in one delightful meal. Herb-infused chicken nestles perfectly alongside silky pasta, delivering comfort that pulls you into a culinary embrace.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Fats and Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package timing until al dente, then drain and reserve.
  2. Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. Season thoroughly with paprika, Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter becomes foamy. Carefully arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring space between each piece.
  4. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
  5. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Add remaining butter and minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Sauté for 45-60 seconds until aromatic.
  6. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Whisk continuously to create a smooth base. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Season sauce with additional salt, cracked black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to reduce slightly.
  8. Introduce cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. Carefully fold in seared chicken bites.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot, presenting directly from the skillet for maximum visual appeal.

Notes

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, quick-cooking protein that absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the pan before adding chicken to enhance its aromatic depth and release more complex flavors.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for spice lovers seeking extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 2880 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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