Creamy Parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites is a hearty, flavor-packed meal that combines tender, juicy chicken bites with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This dish is a comforting blend of textures and flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Indulgent and Satisfying: Creamy pasta paired with buttery, garlicky chicken makes for a truly comforting meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with adults and kids alike.
- Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or other proteins for a personalized twist.
- Restaurant Quality: Enjoy a gourmet-style meal at home without the cost.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Bites:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well)
- Unsalted butter
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- Season the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and stir to coat the chicken in garlic butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth. Add pasta water or chicken broth as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Top the pasta with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken or sauce for a touch of heat.
- Cheese Swap: Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Seafood Alternative: Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken works well. Add it to the skillet to heat through after making the sauce.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are great options, but any pasta you have on hand will work.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Cook the sauce over low heat and avoid boiling the cream to keep it smooth.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream and Parmesan substitutes, and replace butter with a vegan alternative.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking the chicken by monitoring its internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Let the sauce simmer longer, or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce and chicken are best made fresh, but you can cook the pasta ahead and store it separately.
How do I make the dish more flavorful?
Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites is a decadent and satisfying meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for special occasions. With its rich, cheesy sauce and tender, flavorful chicken, this dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that feels like dining out at home!
PrintCreamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
This Creamy Parmesan Pasta is rich, cheesy, and loaded with savory garlic butter chicken bites. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need comfort food with flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Lower the heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, tossing the chicken in the garlic butter. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or pasta water). Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve:
- Divide the creamy Parmesan pasta among plates and top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, scallops, or tofu for variety.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.