The garlic butter chicken bites are the heart of this dish, perfectly seared with that golden crust and tender juiciness inside. The moment the chicken hits the pan, the kitchen is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and butter sizzling together. Each bite is a little nugget of heaven, with that rich, savory flavor that clings to the chicken like a warm, flavorful hug. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself sneaking bites straight from the skillet before they even make it to the plate! And don’t worry about the little crispy bits that form in the pan – those caramelized flavors make the sauce even more amazing when you deglaze it.
Tossing these perfectly cooked chicken bites in the creamy Parmesan sauce is where the magic happens. As the warm, cheesy sauce coats each piece, you get a perfect balance of richness and tang. The Parmesan brings a depth of flavor that complements the garlic butter beautifully, making each bite feel indulgent yet comforting. Pairing it with the creamy pasta, which is silky smooth and just the right amount of creamy, elevates this dish to a whole new level. The pasta, with its subtle hint of garlic and Parmesan, acts as the perfect backdrop for those flavorful chicken bites to shine. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to savor every single bite, and maybe go back for a second helping (or third!).
Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s the rich creaminess, the savory depth, or the perfect balance of heat and seasoning. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that make this dish unforgettable:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, these bite-sized pieces of chicken are the star of the dish, soaking up all the flavors of the garlic butter and Parmesan sauce.
- Butter: The foundation of the garlic butter sauce, creating that golden sear and adding richness that enhances the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Garlic: The aromatic essence that fills your kitchen and provides that warm, comforting flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
- Salt: A must for enhancing all the flavors, bringing out the richness of the butter and the savory depth of the chicken.
- Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and a touch of spice that balances the richness of the butter and cream, giving the dish a well-rounded flavor.
- Paprika: This smoky spice adds a subtle heat and a hint of earthiness, rounding out the flavor profile of the chicken.
- Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that adds brightness to the dish and a final flourish of flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The key to creating that velvety smooth sauce that envelops the pasta and chicken in a rich, creamy texture.
- Chicken Broth: Provides extra depth of flavor to the sauce while keeping it smooth and savory, marrying all the ingredients together.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: A luxurious addition to the sauce that brings in sharp, nutty flavors and a touch of saltiness that makes everything taste so indulgent.
- Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken to perfection, creating that lovely sear and ensuring it doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Pasta (such as Fettuccine or Penne): The perfect vehicle to soak up all that creamy Parmesan sauce, offering a hearty, satisfying base for the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: An extra layer of garlic flavor that complements the fresh garlic, intensifying the overall taste of the dish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a little kick! These add a gentle heat that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy richness, but feel free to skip them if you’re not a fan of spice.
- Grated Parmesan for Garnish: A final sprinkle of cheesy goodness that melts beautifully over the dish, adding that extra hit of flavor and a bit of visual appeal.
Each ingredient plays an essential role in building the rich, savory, and comforting layers of flavor in this dish. Trust me, with these in your kitchen, you’re on your way to a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out before you begin cooking. This will ensure a smooth cooking process and help you avoid scrambling for ingredients midway.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat for the pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt to season the water. This will help flavor the pasta as it cooks.
- Add the 8 ounces of pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it reaches al dente texture.
- While the pasta is cooking, take your 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan so the chicken cooks evenly.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, allowing the butter to foam and turn slightly golden.
- Add the 5 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add incredible flavor to the sauce.
- Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. This creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it smooth and velvety.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or pepper according to your preference.
- Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it, but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use if needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Sprinkle the chicken and pasta with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note.
- If you like a little heat, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes over the top for a gentle kick.
- Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture to serving plates and garnish with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Add a Side Salad for Freshness: This rich, creamy pasta can definitely benefit from something light and refreshing on the side. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness and provide a burst of freshness. You could toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of feta to elevate it even further!
Garlic Bread, Because Why Not?: Let’s be real—garlic bread is the perfect companion to any pasta dish. The crispy, buttery, garlicky goodness pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan pasta. Plus, it’s a great way to scoop up any leftover sauce from your plate (no judgment, we’ve all been there!).
Pair with a Light White Wine: If you’re in the mood for a little wine pairing, go for something crisp and refreshing, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay. The acidity in the wine will cut through the richness of the dish, making each bite even more satisfying. Just a glass or two to elevate the meal—cheers!
What’s your go-to side dish or drink for creamy pasta? I’d love to know how you like to make this dish your own!
How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), storing this dish properly is key to maintaining all that delicious flavor and creaminess. The best way to store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is by transferring it to an airtight container. This will keep everything fresh and help prevent the sauce from drying out.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating in a skillet over low heat works wonders. Just add a splash of cream or a bit of the reserved pasta water to bring back that velvety texture. Stir gently until it’s heated through, and you’ll feel like you’re enjoying it fresh from the pan. If you’re planning to store it for more than a day or two, the fridge is your best bet—anything beyond that, and the pasta can start to get mushy.
Freezing is also an option if you want to store it longer, but keep in mind that the creamy sauce may change texture once thawed. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. The flavors will still be delicious, but you may need to add a little extra cream to get that sauce back to its silky goodness.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta—an absolutely irresistible dish that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. From the perfectly seared chicken to the velvety, cheesy sauce and silky pasta, every bite is a flavor-packed experience that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. It’s the kind of meal that’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, but impressive enough to serve at your next dinner gathering. Whether you’re enjoying it solo with a glass of crisp white wine or sharing it with friends and family, this dish is bound to become a favorite.
I hope you’re as excited to try it as I am to share it with you! If you give it a go, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turns out—feel free to leave me a comment or ask any questions if you need a little help along the way. Happy cooking, and I hope this dish brings as much joy to your kitchen as it did to mine!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Description
Tender, juicy chicken bites smothered in rich garlic butter, perfectly paired with velvety, creamy Parmesan pasta. The savory flavors come together in every bite, offering a comforting, satisfying meal that’s hard to resist!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out before you begin cooking.
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat for the pasta.
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Add a pinch of salt to the water once it starts boiling to season it.
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Add the 8 ounces of pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
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While the pasta is cooking, take your 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
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Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
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Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through.
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Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
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Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
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In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
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Add the 5 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
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Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
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Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
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Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and smooth.
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Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste.
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Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use if necessary.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss it gently to coat the pasta evenly.
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Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce, tossing to combine everything well.
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If the sauce needs to be thinned out a little, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
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Sprinkle the chicken and pasta with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
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If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
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Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture to serving plates and garnish with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
Note
- Make sure to not overcrowd the chicken in the skillet to ensure even browning and a nice sear on each piece.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of olive oil, garlic, and paprika for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may not be as rich.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, you can add a bit more minced garlic to the butter and sauté it longer, but be careful not to burn it.
- This recipe is also great with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes; just sauté them along with the garlic.
