If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines rich, buttery garlic flavors with tender chicken and luxuriously creamy pasta, then you are in for a treat with this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent yet comes together with surprising ease, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to impress friends. Each bite bursts with the savory goodness of garlic and Italian herbs, wrapped in a velvety sauce that hugs every piece of perfectly cooked pasta and juicy chicken. Trust me, this recipe is destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the full-bodied, comforting flavors and satisfying textures you’ll love in this dish. From the aromatic garlic to the creamy Parmesan-infused sauce, every component is essential.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle blend of herbs that complements the garlic and butter beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for searing the chicken with a silky finish and a touch of fruitiness.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): Delivers that rich, creamy texture and the star flavor of the garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Brings a punch of aromatic warmth that defines the dish’s signature taste.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds just a hint of heat to balance the buttery creaminess if you like a little kick.
- Fettuccine or penne pasta (8 ounces): Choose your favorite pasta shape to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates that indulgent, silky sauce that transforms simple ingredients into something special.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Melts into the sauce, providing sharp, savory depth and a lovely gooey finish.
- Reserved pasta water (½ cup): Essential for adjusting sauce consistency, helping it cling perfectly to the pasta and chicken.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Adds a bright, fresh contrast both in color and flavor as a final garnish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in generously salted water until it’s al dente—the perfect texture to hold up under the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to save half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining, as it’s key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency later on.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, generously season your chicken bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple step infuses flavor right into the meat, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well-rounded.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—creating a nice crust that locks in the juices. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing just until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma—about 30 seconds. This quick step is where the magic starts to happen, building a deeply savory base for the sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water, whisking everything until the sauce is smooth, velvety, and slightly thickened. This luxurious sauce is the heart of the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe.
Step 6: Combine and Warm Through
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat each piece with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Return the seared chicken bites to the skillet and stir gently to unify the flavors. Let everything heat through together for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling perfectly to both chicken and pasta.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to brighten the plate and add a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. You can also add a bit of extra grated Parmesan for those who love a cheesier finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty main pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The acidity and crunch complement the creamy pasta, balancing the whole meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken bites and pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnishing each with parsley and perhaps even a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra touch of elegance. Alternatively, you can plate the pasta first and stack the chicken bites on top to showcase the juicy pieces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the sauce may thicken as it chills, but it will still taste just as delicious after reheating.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze leftovers, separate the chicken from the pasta to maintain the best texture. Freeze each portion in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid curdling the sauce. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to warm everything evenly and maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne work beautifully, you can substitute with other shapes like rigatoni, bowtie, or even spaghetti depending on your preference.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Yes! You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. Just be mindful the sauce might be less thick and rich but still very tasty.
Can I add vegetables to the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe?
Definitely. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms are fantastic additions that boost both flavor and nutrition while complementing the creamy garlic butter sauce.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute offering a similar salty, nutty flavor. Just adjust the quantity to taste since it can be a bit stronger.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
The key is gentle heat when cooking the sauce and stirring constantly. Avoid boiling the cream, and incorporate the cheese gradually to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Final Thoughts
Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe is truly a joy from start to finish. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it brings such a beautiful, comforting meal to your table that everyone will ask for seconds. I encourage you to try this recipe—you might just find your next favorite dinner that feels both indulgent and homemade in every bite.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make American-Italian main course featuring tender seared chicken pieces cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy fettuccine or penne pasta. This comforting dish combines flavorful garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle spice, all finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking Fat and Flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse them with balanced flavor.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta and chicken with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce. Return the seared chicken pieces back to the skillet, stirring everything together. Heat through for 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness before serving immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Consider adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- This recipe works well with any short or long pasta variety such as penne, rigatoni, or linguine.
