If you love a meal that checks all the boxes—quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor—get ready to fall head over heels for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta. This dish brings together juicy, golden chicken bites tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all swirled with silky pasta and finished with a touch of Parmesan. Every bite delivers a dreamy combination of savory, creamy, and just a hint of heat, making it an instant weeknight classic or an impressive dish to serve friends. If you crave cozy, restaurant-quality meals at home, this recipe will become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is in its simplicity—each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to add depth, texture, or a pop of color. Gather these kitchen staples and a handful of fresh touches, and you’ll have everything you need to make magic in under half an hour!
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender bites that soak up all the garlicky flavor.
- Olive Oil: A splash for searing gives the chicken a golden, flavorful crust.
- Unsalted Butter: Divided for sautéing and creating that luscious, silky sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Four cloves, minced, to infuse the whole dish with irresistible aroma.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and golden color to your chicken bites.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend that ties together the chicken and sauce with herby warmth.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne both work beautifully to catch all that creamy sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just a little, for thickening the creamy sauce to perfection.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to a rich, velvety sauce—sub with half-and-half for a lighter touch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best, for a salty, nutty finish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled for a burst of color and garden-fresh flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil—salting the water generously is key for flavorful pasta. Drop in your fettuccine or penne and cook according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping a little pasta water in reserve just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, it’s time to give your chicken some love. Toss the bite-sized pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, making sure each piece is well coated. This quick seasoning step infuses every chicken bite with herby, savory flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll miss out on that gorgeous golden sear! Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until deeply golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside, but don’t clean the skillet—you’ll want all those flavorful browned bits for the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the rest of your butter to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant—about 30 seconds is perfect to release its flavor without burning. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for a minute to cook off any raw taste, then slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and, if you like a little heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in creamy sauce. Return the chicken bites to the pan and gently stir everything together, letting the flavors mingle for a minute or two over low heat. Finish with a generous shower of fresh parsley before serving your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta hot and creamy.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t stop there—a little extra Parmesan on top, a twist of black pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon brightens up the whole dish. Try adding a few chili flakes for a little extra zing, or scatter over some toasted pine nuts for crunch if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta is rich and satisfying, so lighter sides work best. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, simple roasted vegetables, or some garlicky green beans. And of course, a warm, crusty baguette is always welcome to mop up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta straight from the skillet at the table. If you’re entertaining, try plating individual servings in shallow bowls, twirling the pasta high and topping with chicken bites and a shower of parsley. For a fun twist, serve in small ramekins as a decadent starter at your next dinner party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta keep surprisingly well! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors only deepen, making for a fantastic next-day lunch or speedy dinner.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can freeze this dish if needed. Let the pasta cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and be prepared to add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or cream to bring back the creamy consistency. The microwave works in a pinch, but use short bursts and stir often to keep the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of chicken for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are lean and quick-cooking, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for even juicier, more flavorful bites. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Fettuccine and penne are both fantastic—fettuccine clings to the sauce, while penne holds those lovely creamy pockets. Honestly, use your favorite pasta or whatever you have on hand; it’s hard to go wrong!
Is there a way to lighten up the creamy sauce?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce that’s still delightfully creamy. You can also use reduced-fat Parmesan or even try a splash of milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes are totally optional and easy to adjust to your taste. Start with a pinch for a gentle warmth, or skip it altogether if you prefer a completely mild, kid-friendly meal.
Can I make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta ahead of time?
While this dish is at its best fresh from the skillet, you can certainly prep the chicken and even make the sauce in advance. Store them separately, and toss everything together with the cooked pasta just before serving for maximum creaminess and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a plate of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special meal with friends. I hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your table as it does to mine. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request in your home!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is a delightful one-pan meal combining tender, seasoned chicken bites seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce with creamy Parmesan pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive dinner, featuring comforting flavors and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta & Sauce
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside for later use.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic butter and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, mixing well into the sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each strand or piece with the flavorful sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the seared chicken bites to the skillet and gently stir everything together, warming through for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness before serving immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- For extra flavor, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
