Garlic Butter Chicken

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe delivers that restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen, but guess what? It’s surprisingly straightforward. You don’t need fancy techniques or hours over the stove. We’re talking minimal steps, readily available ingredients, and maximum flavor payoff. It’s designed for busy weeknights but special enough for a weekend treat. Ready to transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable dish? Try these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta tonight—you won’t believe how simple delicious can be! It’s pure comfort food bliss.

Ingredients:

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Creamy Parmesan Pasta
  • For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
    • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
    • 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, divided
    • 6-8 Cloves Garlic, minced (about 2 Tablespoons) – Use fresh garlic for the best flavor!Garlic is more than just a flavor enhancer; it’s packed with health benefits. Fresh garlic contains compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For the best flavor, mince the garlic just before using it to preserve its pungent aroma.
    • 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
    • 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little heat)
    • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
    • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
    • 1 lb Pasta, (Linguine, Fettuccine, Penne, or your favorite shape) – Choose a shape that holds sauce well. The type of pasta you select can significantly impact the overall experience of this dish. Long, flat pastas like fettuccine and linguine are excellent for clinging to creamy sauces, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. Shorter, tubular pastas such as penne or rigatoni also work well, as their ridges and hollow centers trap the sauce, providing a burst of creamy goodness with every mouthful. Experiment to find your favorite!
    • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
    • 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
    • 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth (low sodium recommended)
    • 1 Cup Heavy Cream – For extra richness, you could stir in 1-2 oz of softened cream cheese with the heavy cream.
    • 1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving – Use freshly grated Parmesan off the block! Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a game-changer in this recipe. The pre-shredded varieties often contain cellulose, an anti-caking agent, which prevents the cheese from melting smoothly into the sauce. Grating your own Parmesan ensures a silky, creamy texture that perfectly coats the pasta. It also provides a more intense, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
    • 1/2 Cup Reserved Pasta Water (important for sauce consistency)
    • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
    • Pinch of Nutmeg (optional, enhances creamy flavors)
  • Universal Tips:
    • Salt your pasta water like the ocean! This is the primary way to season the pasta itself. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water. Salting your pasta water generously is one of the most important steps to ensure a flavorful dish. The pasta absorbs the salted water as it cooks, seasoning it from the inside out. Think of it as the foundation of your flavor profile. If you skip this step, your pasta will taste bland, no matter how delicious the sauce is.
    • Prep all ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking. This makes the process smoother, especially since parts move quickly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Creamy Parmesan Pasta
  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breast cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken is crucial for achieving a nice sear instead of steaming it. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.To achieve that perfect golden-brown sear on your chicken, it’s essential to remove as much moisture as possible. Patting the chicken dry with paper towels ensures that the surface is dry enough to brown properly in the hot skillet. This step prevents the chicken from steaming, which would result in a pale and less flavorful outcome. Seasoning the chicken generously at this stage allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Cooking al dente prevents mushy pasta, as it will cook slightly more when combined with the sauce. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside (you can toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking if desired).Cooking pasta *al dente*, which means “to the tooth” in Italian, is crucial for achieving the right texture in this dish. Pasta that is cooked al dente has a slight firmness when bitten into, preventing it from becoming mushy when combined with the creamy sauce. The pasta will continue to cook a bit more as it sits in the sauce, so undercooking it slightly ensures that it remains perfectly textured when served. Reserving pasta water is a chef’s secret for creating a luscious, emulsified sauce.
  3. Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering hot, add the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature and prevents browning. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Don’t wipe out the skillet – those browned bits (fond) are packed with flavor! Ensure the chicken is cooked properly; refer to reliable sources like the Food Safety Guidelines for Chicken for correct internal temperatures.Searing the chicken in a hot skillet is key to developing a rich, flavorful crust. The Maillard reaction, a chemical process between amino acids and reducing sugars, occurs at high temperatures, creating hundreds of flavor compounds that enhance the taste of the chicken. Working in batches ensures that the skillet remains hot enough to achieve proper browning without steaming the chicken. The browned bits left in the skillet, known as fond, are a goldmine of flavor that will be incorporated into the garlic butter sauce.
  4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce (for Chicken): Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the 6-8 minced garlic cloves and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, which turns bitter quickly. Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly in the garlic butter. Remove the chicken and any sauce from the skillet and set aside, keeping warm.The garlic butter sauce is where the magic happens, infusing the chicken with a rich, aromatic flavor. Sautéing the garlic in butter releases its pungent aroma and mellows its harshness, creating a sweet and savory base for the sauce. It’s crucial to monitor the garlic closely, as it can burn quickly and turn bitter, ruining the entire dish. Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, balancing the richness of the butter and garlic. Coating the chicken in this luscious sauce ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.
  5. Start the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Deglaze and Build Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Deglazing incorporates all that concentrated flavor from searing the chicken into your sauce. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 1-2 minutes.Deglazing the skillet with chicken broth is a technique that unlocks layers of flavor. As the broth simmers, it loosens the caramelized bits of fond stuck to the bottom of the pan, incorporating them into the sauce. This process adds depth and complexity to the sauce, enhancing its savory profile. Reducing the broth slightly concentrates the flavors, creating a more intense base for the creamy Parmesan sauce.
  7. Add Cream and Simmer: Whisk in the heavy cream (and cream cheese, if using) and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Do not let it boil rapidly, or the cream might separate. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).The heavy cream adds richness and body to the sauce, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. Simmering the sauce gently allows it to thicken without separating or curdling. A pinch of nutmeg enhances the creamy flavors, adding a subtle warmth and depth to the sauce. Seasoning with salt and pepper balances the sweetness of the cream and Parmesan, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
  8. Incorporate Parmesan and Pasta Water: Remove the skillet from the heat temporarily. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adding cheese off-heat prevents it from clumping or becoming grainy. Whisk in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to start. The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it creamy and helping it cling to the pasta. Return the skillet to low heat if needed to keep warm, but avoid simmering vigorously. Add more pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency (it should coat the back of a spoon). Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.Adding the Parmesan cheese off-heat is essential for achieving a smooth, velvety sauce. High heat can cause the cheese to seize and clump, resulting in a grainy texture. Whisking it in gradually allows it to melt evenly and incorporate into the sauce seamlessly. The reserved pasta water acts as an emulsifier, binding the cheese and cream together to create a cohesive sauce. Adding it gradually allows you to control the consistency, ensuring that the sauce is thick enough to coat the pasta without being too heavy.
  9. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is well coated.
  10. Serve: Divide the creamy Parmesan pasta among serving bowls or plates. Top generously with the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, making sure to spoon any extra garlic butter from their plate over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings Ideas

Serving your glorious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is all about enhancing its rich, comforting nature. While it’s a showstopper on its own, a few simple additions can elevate the meal. For a balanced plate, consider pairing it with a bright, crisp counterpoint. A simple green salad tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Alternatively, lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus spears, tenderstem broccoli, or green beans add color and freshness. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

When plating, aim for an inviting presentation. Twirl generous portions of the creamy pasta into shallow bowls using a carving fork or tongs. Arrange the glistening Garlic Butter Chicken Bites artfully over the top. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the chicken pan over everything for extra flavor. A final flourish of vibrant green chopped parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds visual appeal and fresh notes. For a heartier meal, especially on a chilly evening, serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread – perfect for soaking up every last bit of that incredible sauce. This dish transitions effortlessly from a quick weeknight dinner to a comforting meal worthy of guests.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in this recipe. They are naturally more flavorful and forgiving, staying juicy even if slightly overcooked. Simply cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and follow the recipe as written. Cooking time might be slightly longer to ensure they are cooked through, but the searing process remains the same.

  2. What’s the best type of pasta for this Creamy Parmesan Pasta?

    Long pasta shapes like Fettuccine, Linguine, or even Spaghetti work beautifully as they get coated nicely in the creamy sauce. However, tube shapes like Penne, Rigatoni, or Ziti are also excellent choices because the sauce gets trapped inside. Really, any pasta shape you enjoy will work well with this versatile Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Creamy Parmesan Pasta dish.

  3. My Parmesan sauce isn’t smooth, what went wrong?

    There are a few common culprits for grainy Parmesan sauce. Firstly, ensure you’re using freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose or anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Secondly, add the Parmesan off the heat or on very low heat, whisking it in gradually. Adding cheese to a boiling or very hot sauce can cause it to seize and clump. Finally, the reserved starchy pasta water is key – it acts as an emulsifier, helping to create that smooth, velvety texture.

  4. Can I add vegetables directly into the pasta?

    Yes, this dish is very adaptable! You can easily incorporate vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed peas are great additions. Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for the cream sauce. Stir in spinach during the last minute of sauce simmering until it wilts. Add peas or chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the pasta. This adds nutrients and flavor complexity to your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Remember that adding vegetables might require a touch more pasta water or cream to maintain the desired sauce consistency.

  5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

    Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cream sauces tend to thicken considerably when chilled. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency, stirring frequently until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through and adding a splash of liquid if needed. Avoid overheating, which can cause the sauce to separate.

  6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, making this gluten-free is straightforward. Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta variety and cook according to its specific package directions. Ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients – chicken, butter, garlic, Parmesan, cream – are naturally gluten-free.

  7. Is heavy cream necessary, or can I substitute it?

    Heavy cream provides the richest, most stable sauce. You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. If using milk, you might want to create a small slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold milk) and whisk it into the simmering broth before adding the milk to help thicken the sauce slightly. Be extra careful not to boil the sauce if using lower-fat dairy, as it’s more prone to curdling. Understanding the nutritional aspect of ingredients like Parmesan can be helpful; check resources like the USDA food database for Parmesan Cheese Nutrition Facts. For a balanced meal approach, consider guidelines from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Creamy Parmesan Pasta Final Shot

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering big, comforting flavors with relative ease. The combination of tender, garlicky chicken and luxuriously creamy pasta is simply irresistible, making it a perfect go-to for any night of the week. You’ll love how the simple ingredients transform into something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to the table and makes you feel like a culinary hero without spending hours in the kitchen. If you enjoy satisfying pasta dishes, you might also want to explore our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Parmesan Pasta variations or the uniquely flavored Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.

Pro Tips:

  • For extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) after sautéing the garlic for the cream sauce, letting it bubble and reduce before adding the chicken broth.
  • Don’t rinse your pasta after draining! The starch clinging to the pasta helps the sauce adhere beautifully.
  • For an extra crispy element, toast some Panko breadcrumbs in a separate small skillet with a little butter and garlic powder until golden brown, then sprinkle over the finished dish just before serving.

Variations:

  • Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to either the chicken seasoning or the cream sauce.
  • Mushroom Lover’s: Sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms after searing the chicken and before making the cream sauce. Add them back in with the pasta.
  • Lemony Freshness: Finish the sauce with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest right before serving to brighten the flavors.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken
Print Recipe

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right in your kitchen, using simple ingredients and minimal steps for maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or special weekend meals!

  • Author: Kiera
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan Seared
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, divided
  • 6–8 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lb Pasta (Linguine, Fettuccine, Penne, or your favorite)
  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil (for pasta)
  • 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for sauce)
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
  • 1 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 Cup Reserved Pasta Water
  • Pinch of Nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear chicken bites until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
  4. Make Garlic Butter Sauce (for Chicken): Melt 2 tablespoons butter, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, toss chicken bites back in to coat. Remove and keep warm.
  5. Start Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter with olive oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
  6. Deglaze and Build Sauce: Add chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer and reduce slightly.
  7. Add Cream and Simmer: Whisk in heavy cream, simmer gently 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
  8. Incorporate Parmesan and Pasta Water: Off heat, whisk in Parmesan cheese and some reserved pasta water until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
  9. Combine and Finish: Toss cooked pasta with creamy sauce until coated.
  10. Serve: Top pasta with garlic butter chicken bites, drizzle extra garlic butter, garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results. Deglaze the pan properly to incorporate all the flavor. Don’t boil the cream to avoid separation. Add pasta water gradually for a silky sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, creamy parmesan pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, chicken and pasta, garlic parmesan sauce

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