There’s something magical about combining tender chicken bites with creamy, cheesy pasta. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. The golden-brown chicken smothered in a garlicky butter sauce pairs perfectly with pasta swimming in a rich, Parmesan-laden cream sauce. It’s a match made in food heaven and one I’m so excited to share with you.

If you’re anything like me, there are days when comfort food is just non-negotiable. After a long day or when the weather starts to cool, nothing beats a creamy pasta dish on the dinner table. Plus, this recipe is quick, easy, and requires just a handful of pantry staples you probably already have. So, let’s get started!

Cook the Pasta

First things first, let’s talk pasta. For this dish, I love using penne or rotini. Their ridged edges are perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce goodness. Here’s what you do:

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is key—it’s your first chance to flavor the pasta!
Cook Pasta: Toss in your pasta and cook until it’s perfectly al dente (follow the timing on the package for best results). You want the pasta to still have a little bite since it’ll soak up some sauce later.
Drain and Reserve: Once the pasta’s ready, drain it and set it aside. If you’re worried about it sticking together, you can toss it with a drizzle of olive oil.

Golden Garlic Butter Chicken

Now for the chicken, because who doesn’t love perfectly seared, golden-brown chicken bites? The key here is butter, garlic, and a hot skillet.

Heat It Up: In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling slightly, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn!
Cook the Chicken: Add cubed chicken breast to the pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet; give each piece some space to brown. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through. A sprinkle of salt and pepper at this stage works wonders.
Set Aside: Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Don’t clean the skillet! The browned bits stuck to the pan are flavor gold for your sauce.

Make the Sauce: Creamy and Dreamy Parmesan Perfection

The best part about this sauce is how simple it is. With just a few ingredients and one skillet (yes, the same one you used for the chicken!), you’ll have a luxurious sauce ready in no time.

Butter Base: In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Those browned bits left in the pan? They’re about to infuse your sauce with incredible flavor.
Add the Cream: Slowly pour in one cup of heavy cream, stirring as you go. Let it come to a gentle simmer—this step helps the cream thicken slightly and meld with the flavors already in the skillet.
Cheesy Goodness: Gradually whisk in one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Take your time here to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the cream, creating a luscious, velvety sauce.
Season to Taste: Once the sauce is thick and creamy, season it with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Remember, Parmesan can be salty, so taste as you go to avoid over-seasoning.

Combine the Magic

Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together in one glorious skillet.

Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat every noodle in that creamy Parmesan goodness. Use a spatula or tongs to mix it thoroughly.
Add the Chicken: Return the golden chicken bites to the skillet. Stir gently to combine, ensuring every piece of chicken gets a generous coating of sauce. The chicken juices that may have collected on the plate? Go ahead and add those too—they’ll only add more flavor.
Warm It All Up: Let the skillet sit on low heat for a minute or two, just enough to warm everything through without overcooking the chicken or pasta.

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Garnish and Serve

We’ve reached the finish line! Now, it’s time to plate this masterpiece and add those final touches.

Plate the Dish: Spoon the creamy pasta and chicken onto plates or shallow bowls. Make sure to get a bit of everything in each serving.
Fresh Basil Finish: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the top. Not only does this add a pop of color, but the bright, herby flavor perfectly balances the richness of the dish.
Serve Immediately: This is one of those dishes best enjoyed fresh and piping hot. Trust me, it’s irresistible when the sauce is still creamy and clinging to every bite.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta turns out perfect every time:

Don’t Skimp on the Butter: Butter is the foundation of flavor here, so make sure to use the real deal.
Grate Your Parmesan Fresh: Pre-grated Parmesan can sometimes have additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating it fresh gives you the creamiest sauce.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Remember, your pasta will absorb some of the sauce, so slightly undercooking it ensures it stays perfectly tender.

FAQ and Final Thoughts

You’ve made it through the recipe, and now it’s time to dive into some frequently asked questions to ensure your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is absolutely foolproof. Whether you’re troubleshooting or looking to customize the dish, I’ve got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne and rotini are great for catching all that creamy sauce, you can use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even bowties. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No heavy cream? No problem! You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce might not be as thick. If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream is a great substitute—just note it may add a hint of coconut flavor.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. You can also season the chicken with paprika or chili powder before cooking.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep parts of it ahead. Cook the chicken and pasta separately, then prepare the sauce just before serving. Store the chicken and pasta in separate airtight containers and reheat gently before combining.

5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Of course! Broccoli, spinach, or peas work beautifully with this recipe. Simply steam or sauté the veggies and toss them in with the pasta and chicken.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

7. What’s the best way to reheat this dish without drying it out?

When reheating, add a tablespoon of cream or milk per serving to keep the sauce silky. Heat on low, stirring often, to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth Savoring

And there you have it—Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, the ultimate comfort dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. The tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly coated pasta make every bite an experience.

I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! Did you make any creative tweaks or add your own flair? Drop a comment below and share your experience. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations.

So grab your fork, dig in, and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness. This recipe isn’t just food—it’s happiness served on a plate. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Author: Thomas
Total Time: 30 mins

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Description

This comforting dish features tender chicken bites coated in garlic butter paired with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal, this recipe combines flavors of garlic, cheese, and fresh basil for a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the cubed chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4️⃣ Combine:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Return the chicken to the skillet and mix gently to combine everything.

5️⃣ Serve:

Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the garlic butter while cooking the chicken.
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a variation of the dish.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins

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