The Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe For Pasta Night

Tender chicken dances with garlic butter in this mouthwatering dish that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Succulent chicken bites sizzle with rich, golden flavor that melts in your mouth.

Each morsel carries the warmth of herbs and the depth of garlic-infused butter.

The creamy parmesan pasta provides a luxurious backdrop to these delectable chicken bites.

Weeknight dinners never looked this elegant or tasted this incredible.

Weeknight cooking becomes a gourmet experience with this simple yet stunning recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Garlic Chicken With Pasta Is a Weeknight Win

• Quick-and-Easy Cooking: Perfectly designed for busy home cooks, this recipe requires basic cooking skills and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines kid-friendly chicken bites with creamy pasta, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds and enjoying every bite.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Adaptable recipe that works great for casual dinners, date nights, or when you want a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet straightforward to prepare.

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken and Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken: Tender and succulent meat perfect for a hearty meal.

• Pasta: Classic base for a comforting dinner.

• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic flavor enhancers.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy kick for extra warmth.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and creamy components.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright and fresh garnish.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders.

Easy Steps for Chicken Bites and Creamy Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.

Drop in your pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready for its delicious transformation.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken Bites

Grab a skillet and heat it up with a splash of olive oil and a knob of butter.

• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Throw in some minced garlic and red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick.

Cook for another minute until the kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Create a Dreamy Parmesan Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt another pat of butter.

Add minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute.

Pour in heavy cream and watch it bubble gently.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into a silky smooth sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to make it sing.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Chicken

Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, making sure every strand gets a luxurious coating.

Reunite the golden chicken bites with the pasta, stirring everything together in a delicious harmony.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Shower the dish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot and get ready to dive into a plate of pure comfort and flavor!

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Silky Sauce

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, easy-to-cook bites that absorb flavors beautifully.
• Rinse pasta with cold water after draining to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring perfect texture for your dish.
• Control heat by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes, tailoring the recipe to your personal spice preference.
• Sauté minced garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, creating a rich, deeper taste profile.
• Grate Parmesan cheese freshly and add gradually while stirring to create a creamy, lump-free sauce that coats pasta perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm the chicken and pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Cover with a damp paper towel to help retain sauce's creamy texture.
• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 2 days for best flavor and texture. Pasta tends to absorb sauce and might become slightly less creamy with time.

What Goes Great With Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and refresh the palate with zesty citrus undertones.
• Fresh Green Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding a peppery crunch and tangy contrast.
• Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or Mediterranean-style zucchini to enhance the herb flavors and provide nutritious, colorful accompaniment.
• Crusty Bread Addition: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the decadent Parmesan sauce, creating a delightful textural experience and ensuring no delicious sauce goes to waste.

Different Ways to Serve This Chicken Dish

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake while maintaining the dish's rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy sauce suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Transformation: Swap Italian seasoning with Cajun spice blend, adding cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to create a bold, Southern-inspired version of the original recipe with increased heat levels.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano and thyme, and finish with kalamata olives to give the dish a Greek-inspired culinary character.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can adjust the heat level according to your preference. If you don’t like spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes completely.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized bite-sized pieces and cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No worries! You can create a simple substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. About 1 teaspoon of the combined herbs will work well in this recipe.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cook the chicken on medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Cutting chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces helps ensure even cooking and keeps the meat tender and juicy.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta bring Italian-inspired comfort to dinner tables. Succulent chicken morsels draped in rich, herbed butter melt alongside silky pasta, creating a harmonious dish you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta in generously salted boiling water until perfectly tender, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil with butter over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and season comprehensively with paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Carefully introduce seasoned chicken into hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a rich golden exterior through periodic stirring.
5. Once chicken reaches optimal doneness, incorporate minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, sautéing briefly to release aromatic flavors.
6. Transfer golden chicken pieces to a separate plate, maintaining their temperature and crisp texture.
7. Utilize the same skillet to craft the luxurious sauce, melting remaining butter and introducing fresh garlic for immediate fragrance.
8. Gently stream heavy cream into the skillet, establishing a smooth foundation for the sauce.
9. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to create a silky, uniform consistency.
10. Adjust sauce seasoning with precise salt and pepper measurements to enhance overall flavor profile.
11. Introduce cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand becomes completely enrobed.
12. Reintegrate chicken bites into the pasta, allowing them to meld seamlessly with the sauce.
13. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a vibrant final touch.
14. Serve immediately, presenting a harmonious blend of crispy chicken, creamy pasta, and aromatic herbs.

Notes

• Choose high-quality chicken breasts for tender, juicy bites that absorb flavors perfectly.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior when cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for smoother, more authentic sauce texture and richer taste.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making the dish adaptable for mild or spicy preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg