Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken with a rich, cheesy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy: The Parmesan cream sauce is indulgent and packed with flavor.
- Family-Friendly: A dish everyone will love, from kids to adults.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust with your choice of pasta or additional vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cubed chicken, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve the dish hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- Cheese: Mix in mozzarella or Asiago for a richer cheese flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken and sauce over zoodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Herbs: Use parsley or thyme in place of basil for a fresh herb variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be used to save time. Simply add it to the sauce during the final steps.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or farfalle work well, but spaghetti or fettuccine are also great options.
3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. You can thicken it with a little flour or cornstarch if needed.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon reheating.
5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
6. Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great substitutes for Parmesan.
7. Is this recipe spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
8. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before combining with the pasta and chicken.
9. What’s the best way to cube chicken evenly?
Use a sharp knife and cut chicken breasts into uniform pieces for even cooking.
10. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, heavy cream with coconut cream, and Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. With tender chicken, a rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it up tonight for a guaranteed hit!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Tender, juicy chicken bites are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over perfectly cooked pasta coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if desired.
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