Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

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If you’re looking for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal, you’re in the right place! These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are rich, buttery, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Tender, juicy chicken bites are pan-seared to perfection, then coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. Paired with a creamy, cheesy Parmesan pasta, this dish is pure comfort food!

I can’t wait for you to try this one—it’s a game changer for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
  • Irresistibly Flavorful: Garlic butter + creamy Parmesan sauce? Say no more!
  • One-Pan Wonder: The chicken is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will love this cozy, satisfying meal.

What Does This Dish Taste Like?

Imagine golden, juicy chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly balanced with a creamy, cheesy pasta that melts in your mouth. The garlic is fragrant without being overpowering, and the butter adds a luxurious richness. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, and you have a dish that’s indulgent yet well-balanced.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a bright finish)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tongs

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side without stirring to get a nice golden sear.
  3. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until fully cooked through.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and add butter and minced garlic. Stir until the butter is melted and garlic is fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  5. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  1. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in heavy cream and milk, then whisk to combine.
  3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

  1. Transfer the creamy Parmesan pasta to plates or a large serving dish.
  2. Top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
  3. Garnish with more Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Parmesan Pasta

This dish is already packed with flavor, but if you want to elevate your meal even further, try pairing it with:

  • Garlic Bread: Because extra garlic-butter goodness is never a bad idea!
  • Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a great side.
  • Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breast works great, chicken thighs stay extra juicy and tender.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.
  • Adjust the Garlic to Your Taste: Love garlic? Add an extra clove or two for even more flavor!
  • For Extra Creaminess: Stir in a little extra Parmesan or a dollop of cream cheese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
  • Freeze: The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. The pasta, however, is best enjoyed fresh as the sauce may separate when reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Any pasta works well—penne, rigatoni, or even angel hair are all great options.

Can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream and use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried.

What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano or even a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a different but delicious twist.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate easy, satisfying meal that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. The combination of rich, garlicky chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta is simply irresistible.

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