If you’re looking for a meal that brings together tender chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, look no further! These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta offer all that and more. The garlic-infused butter sauce coats every bite of chicken and pasta, while the rich parmesan adds a savory depth that makes this dish truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a go-to comfort food that’s easy to make but full of flavor. The creamy sauce combined with the chicken creates a dish that’s both rich and comforting, perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a special meal for guests. The best part? It’s a one-pan dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
-
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 pound)
-
Garlic (freshly minced, to taste)
-
Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, divided)
-
Pasta (Fettuccine or Linguine)
-
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, to taste)
-
Heavy Cream (1 cup)
-
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
-
Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Mince the garlic finely, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
-
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once melted and bubbly, add the chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
-
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for another minute, ensuring the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
-
Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, followed by the grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
-
Cook the Pasta: In the meantime, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a bit of the pasta water.
-
Toss It All Together: Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.
-
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately while hot.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 4
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 20 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
-
Chicken Alternatives: You can swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different protein option.
-
Herb Variations: Add in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a unique twist.
-
Vegetarian Option: Leave out the chicken and add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat the dish on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the creamy texture. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
To avoid burning the garlic, cook it on medium heat and only for about 1 minute after adding it to the pan. Stir constantly to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking. This will ensure even cooking and help the chicken absorb the flavors better.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and garlic ahead of time. You can also cook the pasta ahead and store it in the fridge.
What kind of pasta should I use?
Fettuccine and linguine are ideal for this dish, as their texture holds up well to the creamy sauce. However, any long pasta like spaghetti would also work.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute and parmesan.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While freezing is possible, it may affect the creaminess of the sauce once reheated. If you choose to freeze, store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta.
What can I serve with this dish?
Garlic bread, a simple side salad, or roasted vegetables would complement this creamy dish perfectly.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! If you love cheesy dishes, feel free to sprinkle more parmesan or even try other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To make the sauce thicker, add more parmesan or reduce the sauce a bit longer to allow it to thicken.
Can I use store-bought pasta sauce instead of making my own?
While store-bought pasta sauces work in a pinch, this recipe’s homemade creamy garlic sauce is what makes it special! You’ll love the freshness it brings.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together rich flavors and a satisfying texture that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is quick, easy, and downright delicious. Enjoy!
Print
Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
- Author: Chef Sara
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken in a savory garlic butter sauce combined with creamy parmesan pasta makes for a satisfying, easy-to-make dinner. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering rich flavors and creamy texture that everyone will love
Ingredients
1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Freshly minced Garlic (to taste)
3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided)
Fettuccine or Linguine Pasta (your choice)
Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese (to taste)
1 cup Heavy Cream
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Mince garlic and cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for an additional minute until garlic is fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add the remaining butter and parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve some pasta water.
- Toss It All Together: Drain pasta and add it directly to the skillet. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove, adding a bit of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.
- Substitutions: Use shrimp, turkey, tofu, or vegetables for protein variations. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian