If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe combines tender, golden garlic butter chicken bites with perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a luscious, cheesy Parmesan cream sauce. Each bite delivers a wonderful balance of savory flavors and comforting textures that feel indulgent yet wonderfully approachable. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component is essential, from the garlic that adds aromatic depth to the creamy Parmesan that brings rich, velvety texture to the sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- Unsalted butter: Used both for cooking the chicken and creating a rich, flavorful sauce base.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives the dish its signature fragrant, savory punch.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Adds a lovely mix of herbs that elevate the chicken’s flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce to taste.
- Pasta: Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work beautifully, offering a satisfying bite and perfect sauce cling.
- Heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce, creating a smooth and luscious texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, delivering rich cheesy goodness with a slightly nutty note.
- Chicken broth or reserved pasta water: Adds flavor and adjusts the sauce consistency if needed.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top as a bright, fresh garnish.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to save half a cup of pasta water before draining—that magical liquid comes in handy later to perfect your sauce.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, then season with dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. This step creates those irresistible garlic butter chicken bites that are bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma
Stir in the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This quick sauté unlocks the garlic’s sweet, savory aroma. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt another 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine all the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly into a rich, silky base.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Season
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste it, and season with salt and pepper as you prefer. This cheesy mixture is where the magic really happens, transforming simple ingredients into pure comfort.
Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Return to your cooked pasta, adding it directly into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss gently to ensure every strand or piece of pasta is luscious and coated. If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce cling perfectly.
Step 7: Add the Chicken Bites
Finally, add back the juicy garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the chicken is fully incorporated with the pasta and sauce, making every bite incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
Step 8: Serve It Hot and Fresh
Your Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe is now ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley adds the perfect pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish. You can also sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan on top to please the cheese lovers at your table.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy dish alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. The contrast between fresh, crunchy sides and the silky pasta elevates the meal and balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish each with lemon zest or a drizzle of chili-infused olive oil. This adds an unexpected layer of flavor that will wow anyone lucky enough to enjoy your cooking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this creamy delight, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, but the chicken and pasta stay tender and delicious.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the garlic butter chicken bites and Parmesan sauce separately for up to 2 months. Freeze the pasta covered with foil or a layer of oil to prevent sticking. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve texture.
Reheating
Reheat slowly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. This approach keeps the sauce creamy and prevents the chicken from drying out, ensuring you still get that crave-worthy experience with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Absolutely! While Parmesan gives a classic flavor, you can try Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite or Asiago for a nuttier twist. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well to maintain that creamy sauce texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! You can omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The creamy Parmesan sauce will still provide that rich, satisfying flavor.
What pasta works best with creamy sauces?
Pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni are perfect because they hold onto the sauce well. Spaghetti is also a popular choice for its classic appeal and ease of twirling.
Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream contributes to the silky texture and richness, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Just keep in mind the sauce may be a little less thick and creamy.
How can I make the garlic butter chicken extra flavorful?
Try marinating the chicken cubes in a mix of garlic, butter, herbs, and a touch of lemon juice before cooking. This infuses deeper flavor and keeps the bites tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
There is just something incredibly comforting about the Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels both special and homey at the same time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find that creamy, cheesy sauce paired with savory garlic chicken bites quickly becomes a go-to favorite in your meal rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cooked in garlic butter, combined with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with your choice of pasta. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it balances rich creaminess with aromatic garlic and Italian herbs, finished with a fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Garlic Butter
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Make the garlic butter chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add garlic to chicken: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare creamy Parmesan sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until aromatic.
- Simmer cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to thoroughly coat the pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water to adjust consistency to your liking.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together until fully incorporated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the creamy Parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites immediately while hot.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta to loosen the sauce if needed.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture and taste.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly but avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
- This recipe pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.
