This dish features tender chicken bites coated in rich garlic butter, served with creamy Parmesan pasta that makes every bite a comfort. It’s quick, tasty, and sure to please!
Honestly, who can resist buttery chicken and cheesy pasta? They make a perfect duo on your dinner plate! I love serving it with a sprinkle of parsley for that pop of color.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thigh for juiciness or breasts for leaner meat. If you’re looking for a substitute, tofu or chickpeas work well for a vegetarian version.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice here, but if you prefer a healthier option, consider using olive oil or coconut oil instead, though the flavor will change slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can stand in (1/8 tsp per clove). Keep in mind, fresh has a much stronger taste!
Pasta: While I love using fettuccine, any pasta shape works. Gluten-free pasta is a great substitute if needed. You might need to adjust cooking times, so keep an eye on it!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives a smoother sauce, but pre-grated works too. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Bites Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken bites to perfection is crucial. Here’s how I get it right:
- Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the outside nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each piece room to cook evenly.
- Check for doneness by cutting a piece in the thickest part—it should be white throughout, with no pink.
- Let them sit after cooking for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken juicy!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta, 10-15 minutes making the chicken bites, and finish up with about 5 minutes for the creamy sauce. Super quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta but be sure to save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will give them lots of flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches if your skillet isn’t big enough) and cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through—about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Then, return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated in that delicious garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and keep warm.
5. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In a different skillet or a saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Then slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until it starts to thicken slightly.
6. Add the Parmesan:
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, add in your reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Season the Sauce:
Give your creamy sauce a taste and season it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
8. Combine Everything:
Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy Parmesan sauce, mixing gently to coat it evenly. Then, serve the creamy Parmesan pasta on plates and top generously with the garlic butter chicken bites.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor and a pop of color. Now you’re ready to dig in and enjoy this scrumptious dish!
Dig into your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta and savor every bite!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are great choices, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust cooking time as needed based on the pasta you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens up.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with bite-sized pieces of firm tofu or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly for the veggies or tofu to cook through properly.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less creamy. For a dairy-free version, opt for coconut cream or a nut-based cream alternative to maintain richness.
