For a comforting and flavorful dinner, look no further than these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy pasta that’s both indulgent and easy to make. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal that feels restaurant-quality without the hassle. With a combination of savory garlic, creamy Parmesan, and golden chicken bites, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Instructions
3. Cook Notes & Tips
4. Recipe Variations
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Conclusion

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Cook the Chicken Bites

1. Season the Chicken
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter
   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce until well coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Set aside while you prepare the pasta.

Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Pasta
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.

Serve

• Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Chicken Cooking Tip: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken bites. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they get a nice golden crust.
• Cream Consistency: If the Parmesan sauce is too thick, add a bit more cream or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key to a creamy, smooth sauce without clumps.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or Parmesan sauce for a bit of heat.
• Vegetable Additions: Stir in some spinach or steamed broccoli to the pasta for extra nutrition.
• Lemon Butter Chicken: Add a splash of lemon juice to the garlic butter for a bright, zesty flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? A: Yes, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. You may need to add a bit more Parmesan to thicken it.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! Any type of pasta will work well with this dish—choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken bites, rich garlic butter, and creamy Parmesan pasta makes for a dish that’s comforting, indulgent, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or a special someone, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness with every bite!