If you have a craving for comfort food that feels both indulgent and effortlessly satisfying, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Tender, golden chicken bites bathed in rich garlic butter come together with luscious, velvety pasta for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends with a dinner that feels gourmet without fuss, this recipe will quickly become a staple you turn to again and again for a warm, inviting meal that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken cubes to the silky cream sauce, every item contributes to that irresistible dinner you’re about to enjoy.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking and perfect bite-sized servings.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and pasta.
- Paprika and garlic powder: Add a subtle smokiness and extra garlic punch to the chicken.
- Olive oil and unsalted butter: Create a flavorful base for cooking the chicken and sauce, adding richness without overpowering.
- Fresh garlic cloves (minced): The heart of the dish that infuses the chicken and pasta sauce with aromatic depth.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal notes, perfect for garnish.
- Fettuccine or penne pasta: Choose your favorite shape for a comforting, carb-filled base that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luxuriously smooth, creamy pasta sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty character that melts perfectly into the cream.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a subtle heat boost for those who love a little kick.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil; salt is key here because it seasons the pasta from within as it cooks. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once ready, drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water if you like to adjust sauce consistency later on.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder for a beautifully balanced flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer so each piece gets a golden crust. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and deliciously caramelized. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet, scraping up any flavorful bits left from the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Return the chicken bites to the pan, toss well to coat them in the garlic butter, and sprinkle with fresh parsley to brighten the dish. Set aside, keeping warm for serving.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Pasta Sauce
In a separate saucepan or using the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about one minute until aromatic, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring this to a gentle simmer and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened and velvety.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the cream sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every strand or piece in that luscious sauce. This step is where everything comes together, marrying the creamy texture with the firm pasta perfectly.
Step 6: Plate and Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
Pile the creamy pasta onto your plates and top generously with the garlic butter chicken bites. For extra flair and freshness, garnish with more chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley add a delightful pop of color and freshness that makes the dish visually inviting. A light dusting of Parmesan not only enhances flavor but adds a delicate texture contrast that your taste buds will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of creamy sauce, or a crisp green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness. Lightly steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement the flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or to impress guests, serve the creamy pasta in individual bowls topped with chicken bites arranged artfully. Drizzle a little extra garlic butter from the pan on top, and sprinkle edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch that feels thoughtful and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy pasta might thicken as it cools, so it’s best to reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore that silky texture.
Freezing
While freezing creamy pasta can affect texture slightly, you can freeze the chicken bites separately for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. It’s a great way to have ready-to-go components for a quick meal.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with short bursts, stirring often. Add a bit of cream, milk, or pasta water to loosen the sauce so it doesn’t dry out. This method preserves the creaminess and keeps the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne are recommended because they hold the sauce well, feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape such as rigatoni, linguine, or even fusilli for a fun twist.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream for a lighter sauce. Keep in mind the texture will be less thick but still delicious and creamy enough to satisfy.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes are excellent additions to the creamy pasta. They add color, nutrients, and extra layers of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply use gluten-free pasta and double-check your seasonings for any gluten content. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this meal accessible for gluten-free diets.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is mild by default, but the optional red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that you can adjust to your taste preferences. Feel free to omit or increase them depending on how much spice you enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe is truly a showstopper that blends comfort and elegance in one bowl. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, full of creamy, garlicky goodness with tender chicken bites that keep everyone coming back for more. Give it a try soon — once you do, this recipe will surely earn a permanent spot in your go-to dinner lineup.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is a delicious and comforting American main course featuring tender, seasoned chicken cooked in garlic butter and served atop pasta swirled in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy stovetop recipe combines flavorful chicken bites with a luscious cream sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day.
Ingredients
For the chicken bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the creamy pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to infuse flavor.
- Cook the chicken bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare garlic butter for chicken: Reduce the skillet heat to medium, add unsalted butter, and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, toss it well in the garlic butter, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using. Keep warm while preparing the sauce.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a separate saucepan or the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute to release its aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly with the rich sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce without sacrificing too much richness.
- For added depth of flavor, deglaze the chicken skillet with a splash of white wine before starting the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
