Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a meal that’s both comforting and impressive, combining tender, golden chicken bites with a rich, creamy pasta that’s full of flavor. The garlic butter brings savory depth to the chicken, while the creamy Parmesan pasta provides a deliciously smooth and cheesy finish. Plus, it’s all done in one pan for easy cleanup, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss until well-coated.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken bites in a single layer, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes), stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
- Prepare the Creamy Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the uncooked pasta. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Add Parmesan and Chicken: Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Season with additional black pepper if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or steamed broccoli for added nutrients and color.
- Different Cheeses: Swap half of the Parmesan for mozzarella or Asiago for a more complex flavor profile.
Cooking Note
To ensure the pasta doesn’t stick, stir frequently while it cooks in the creamy sauce. Adding the cheese after the pasta is fully cooked helps create a smooth and thick sauce without clumping.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is fantastic served with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. You can also pair it with roasted asparagus or a simple Caprese salad for a fresh contrast to the creamy pasta.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother and adds more flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- Adjust Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Check the pasta frequently to ensure it reaches al dente without becoming mushy.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 35g
- Sodium: 750mg
(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used)
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute with any short pasta, like fusilli or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can make it up to 1 day ahead. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option or use a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a similar creamy consistency.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, if you have leftover chicken, simply add it to the sauce after the pasta has cooked. Skip the initial chicken cooking steps and add it directly to the creamy sauce to heat through.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is an easy, delicious way to combine juicy, garlicky chicken with a comforting pasta dish. This one-pan recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that’s rich in flavor and simple to make. Whether you’re serving it for a quick family dinner or for guests, this creamy pasta is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!