Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken bites with a creamy, cheesy pasta. The garlic butter sauce enhances the flavor of the chicken, while the creamy Parmesan pasta makes for the perfect comforting side. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or any occasion when you want something indulgent yet quick to make.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz cooked pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid is reduced slightly.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine and coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
  7. Serve the chicken and pasta together, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a bit of heat.
  • Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a fresh, citrusy twist that complements the creaminess.
  • Extra Veggies: Add spinach, peas, or broccoli to the skillet for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the creamy sauce may change in texture upon reheating. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed.

10 FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will add extra flavor and tenderness.
  2. What kind of pasta is best for this dish? You can use any pasta you like, but fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work especially well with creamy sauces.
  3. Can I use store-bought chicken broth? Yes, store-bought chicken broth works perfectly for this recipe. You can also use homemade broth if you prefer.
  4. Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option? You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
  5. Is this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
  6. Can I add more vegetables to the pasta? Absolutely! Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or any vegetables of your choice to make this dish even more nutritious.
  7. How can I make this dish spicier? You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
  8. Can I make this dish ahead of time? This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then reheat and toss with pasta just before serving.
  9. Can I make this without Parmesan cheese? You can substitute Parmesan with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano, or you can omit the cheese for a non-creamy version, though it will change the flavor and texture.
  10. What if the sauce is too thick? If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect comforting meal that comes together quickly and easily. The rich garlic butter sauce, paired with tender chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta, is a surefire way to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this dish will satisfy your cravings for something hearty and indulgent!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Lina Judi
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

 

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish with tender chicken in a creamy garlic butter sauce, paired with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy, comforting meal your family will love!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small pieces
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz cooked pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  • Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
  • Pour in chicken broth and let simmer until chicken is cooked through.
  • Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
  • Serve chicken and pasta together, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

You can substitute the chicken breast with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier option. For a bit of extra flavor, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star