This garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta recipe is a true comfort food lover’s dream. It combines succulent, juicy chicken pieces tossed in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce, served with creamy, indulgent parmesan pasta. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you enjoy hearty meals with rich flavors, this dish has everything you need. The garlic butter chicken is so tender and flavorful, while the creamy parmesan pasta provides the perfect balance of richness and smoothness. The combination of the two is irresistible, and the addition of fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh touch. This recipe is simple yet feels luxurious and is perfect for satisfying your cravings!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Garlic
Pasta
Parmesan cheese
Heavy cream
Fresh parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a large pan, heat some butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Add minced garlic to the pan with the chicken and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: Consider adding spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Spice it up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Substitute chicken: You can swap the chicken for shrimp or even turkey for a lighter option.
Cheese options: Try adding mozzarella or cream cheese to the sauce for a different creamy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe. They will give you a slightly juicier and more flavorful bite, though you may need to cook them a bit longer.

2. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich. For a thicker consistency, you could add a tablespoon of cream cheese.

3. What pasta is best for this dish?

Any type of pasta will work, but fettuccine or penne are great choices as they’ll hold the creamy sauce well.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and pasta ahead of time and then combine them with the creamy sauce when ready to serve.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s not recommended to freeze the creamy sauce as it may separate when reheated. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately and combine them with fresh sauce when reheating.

6. Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give it a bit of heat.

7. How do I get the chicken to be extra tender?

Make sure to cook the chicken just until golden and no longer to avoid overcooking. Marinating the chicken beforehand can also help tenderize it.

8. Can I use grated parmesan instead of shredded parmesan?

Yes, grated parmesan will work, but shredded parmesan provides a bit more texture and melts better into the sauce.

9. Can I add other herbs?

Absolutely! Thyme, basil, or rosemary would be great additions to the dish. Simply sprinkle them in with the parsley at the end.

10. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels on all other ingredients to confirm they are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

This garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is the perfect comforting meal for any occasion. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and versatile ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or a cozy date night, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.