Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
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Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Craving Irresistible Comfort Food?
Are you on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to whip up? If the thought of tender, succulent chicken bites bathed in rich garlic butter, perfectly complementing a luscious, creamy Parmesan pasta, makes your mouth water, then you’re in the right place. This Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is designed to be your new go-to. We’ve cracked the code for a dish that feels decadent but is remarkably straightforward, ensuring you can deliver a restaurant-quality meal from your own kitchen. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing creation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients and let’s create some magic!
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes (Thighs offer more moisture and flavor, breasts are leaner)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1.5 tbsp) (Fresh is best for that pungent kick!)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (Butter adds that essential richness and mouthfeel)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (Low-sodium is great for controlling saltiness)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (Or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (Don’t be shy with seasoning!)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (Adds a pop of color and freshness)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work beautifully)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (For sautéing aromatics, if needed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Adds a subtle garlic undertone to the sauce)
- 2 cups heavy cream (The base of our luxurious sauce)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Use a good quality, finely grated Parmesan for best melting)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (Starchy water is key to emulsifying the sauce)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (Adjust to your palate)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, a pinch (For a hint of heat)
Recipe Timing
This recipe is designed for efficiency, coming in slightly faster than the average pasta dish that often requires longer simmering or separate elaborate steps. You’ll have a complete, satisfying meal on the table in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready for its flavor transformation. Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels – this helps them sear beautifully later. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to manage on a fork. Season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to really season it; this is your foundation of flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. You want to get a nice golden-brown sear on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. This liquid gold is crucial for achieving a silky, emulsified sauce. Drain the pasta.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to wash it – those browned bits are flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly. Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked chicken bites back into the creamy Parmesan sauce. Let them simmer gently for a few minutes until heated through and coated in the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 35-45g
- Fat: 40-50g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Note: These are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Healthier Alternatives
Want to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor? Try these simple swaps:
- Pasta: Opt for whole wheat pasta or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein.
- Cream: Use half-and-half or even milk (whole or 2%) combined with a little cornstarch slurry to thicken, though the texture might be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free option, a cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk can work, though it will alter the flavor profile.
- Chicken: Use extra-lean chicken breast.
- Cheese: Reduce the amount of Parmesan slightly or use a reduced-fat variety, keeping in mind it may melt differently.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few ideas to complement it:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- Crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta will not hold up well in the sauce. Aim for al dente!
- Not Seating the Chicken Properly: Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding chicken to get a good sear.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly in butter. Sauté it briefly until fragrant, not brown.
- Sauce Too Thick/Thin: Use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Start with a little and add more as needed.
- Unders-easoning: Chicken and pasta are canvases for flavor. Season generously at each stage.
Storing Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can sometimes make pasta mushy and the sauce can separate.
Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!
There you have it – a Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect balance of rich, savory, and comforting flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe this week; you won’t regret it!
Tried this recipe? We’d love to hear about it! Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us on social media!
Frequently Asked Questions
***Can I use a different type of pasta?***
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine are classic choices for creamy sauces, penne, rotini, or rigatoni also work wonderfully, as their shapes help to trap the delicious sauce.
***How can I make the chicken more tender?***
Using chicken thighs generally results in more tender and juicy meat than chicken breasts. Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
***Can this recipe be made ahead of time?***
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep components in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken separately, and make the sauce. Combine and heat through just before serving. The sauce might thicken considerably upon refrigeration, so you’ll likely need to thin it with pasta water or broth when reheating.
***What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?***
For the best, smoothest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a wedge. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly.
***Can I add vegetables to this dish?***
Yes! You can sauté some spinach or mushrooms with the garlic, or steam some broccoli or peas to toss in at the end. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan when sautéing.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This indulgent dish pairs juicy, golden chicken bites with a luscious creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for dinner, it’s a hearty, flavorful meal that will satisfy any craving!
Ingredients
- For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:1 ½lbs (680g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces2 tbspolive oil4 tbspbutter, divided4garlic cloves, minced1 tsppaprika1 tspItalian seasoning½ tspsalt½ tspblack pepper¼ tspred pepper flakes (optional, for heat)For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:12 oz(340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)2 tbspbutter4garlic cloves, minced1 ½ cups(360ml) heavy cream1 cup(100g) grated Parmesan cheese½ tspsalt½ tspblack pepper¼ cup(15g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:12 oz(340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)2 tbspbutter4garlic cloves, minced1 ½ cups(360ml) heavy cream1 cup(100g) grated Parmesan cheese½ tspsalt½ tspblack pepper¼ cup(15g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1️⃣Cook the Pasta:Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.2️⃣Cook the Chicken Bites:Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Add the chicken pieces and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if desired), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine the Pasta and Chicken:Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.5️⃣Serve:Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2️⃣Cook the Chicken Bites:Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Add the chicken pieces and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if desired), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine the Pasta and Chicken:Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.5️⃣Serve:Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Add the chicken pieces and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if desired), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine the Pasta and Chicken:Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.5️⃣Serve:Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
- Add the chicken pieces and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if desired), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine the Pasta and Chicken:Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.5️⃣Serve:Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine the Pasta and Chicken:Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.5️⃣Serve:Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
- 3️⃣Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine the Pasta and Chicken:Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.5️⃣Serve:Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.4️⃣Combine the Pasta and Chicken:Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.5️⃣Serve:Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 4️⃣Combine the Pasta and Chicken:Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.5️⃣Serve:Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.5️⃣Serve:Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
- Return the chicken bites to the skillet and stir to combine with the pasta and sauce.
- 5️⃣Serve:Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
Notes
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but note that the sauce will be less rich.Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken for an even quicker meal.Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
Use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken for an even quicker meal.Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
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