Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

These tender garlic butter chicken bites dance with rich, velvety flavors that instantly spark dinner excitement.

Juicy chicken pieces nestled in a golden garlic butter sauce promise a seriously delectable meal.

Each succulent bite melts with robust seasoning and irresistible aromatics.

The accompanying creamy parmesan pasta provides the perfect complementary backdrop to these luscious chicken morsels.

Silky noodles coated in a luxurious sauce create a harmonious blend that satisfies deep comfort food cravings.

Sharp parmesan cheese adds a delightful tang that cuts through the richness, making every forkful pure culinary magic.

This remix elevates weeknight dining from mundane to magnificent.

Grab your skillet and get ready to savor a restaurant-quality dinner without leaving home.

Cook Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta

• Flavor Fusion for Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with bold seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dust lightly with a thin coating of starch to create a crispy exterior.

• Golden Sizzle

Heat a blend of butter and olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, turning once to ensure even cooking.

• Garlic Magic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet, releasing its aromatic essence. Set chicken aside, keeping it warm and inviting.

• Pasta Canvas

Boil pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and prepare for its creamy transformation.

• Silky Sauce Creation

Melt butter in the same skillet, then introduce heavy cream. Stir in parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and velvety.

• Creamy Coating

Gently fold pasta into the rich sauce, ensuring each strand is lovingly embraced by the creamy mixture.

• Final Touch

Arrange the golden chicken atop the pasta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips to Flavor Garlic and Parmesan Pasta

• Enhance chicken's crispiness by rolling pieces in seasoned bread crumbs before cooking for extra texture and flavor.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or lean turkey for a different protein experience that maintains the recipe's delicious profile.
• Toss roasted bell peppers, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms into the pasta for added nutrition and colorful presentation.
• Kick up heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or sriracha to the chicken coating or sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free version that still delivers rich flavor.

How to Serve This Chicken Pasta Combo Right

• Pair with Fresh Greens: Serve alongside a crisp garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and buttery chicken.
• Create a Complete Meal: Add roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini to boost nutrition and provide extra color and texture to the plate.
• Enhance with Wine Pairing: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which will beautifully highlight the garlic and parmesan flavors.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of freshness and a vibrant green garnish that elevates the visual appeal.

Storing Chicken Pasta That Stays Creamy

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Reheat with Care: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness. Revive pasta by adding a splash of cream or milk while gently reheating to prevent dryness.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken a day before cooking to enhance flavor. Chop garlic and measure ingredients in advance for quick weeknight meal assembly.
• Freeze for Future: Package cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to enjoy a quick, delicious meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 710 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes in Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Garlic Powder: Infuses deep, aromatic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and brings out chicken's natural richness.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and warm spiciness to the meat.
• Cornstarch: Creates crispy exterior and helps chicken brown beautifully.

• Butter: Provides rich, golden flavor and helps achieve perfect chicken sear.
• Olive Oil: Prevents butter from burning and adds smooth, fruity undertone.
• Minced Garlic: Releases intense, fragrant notes during final cooking stage.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce with velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty complexity and creamy consistency.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, fresh garnish with herbaceous green notes.

Tools to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Smooth

• Large Skillet: Perfect for searing chicken and creating that golden-brown deliciousness.
• Pasta Pot: Essential for boiling pasta to al dente perfection.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and flipping chicken without scratching your pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps you nail the right amount of seasonings and ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Handy for prepping garlic and chopping parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs.
• Colander: Useful for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.

Golden Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Silky Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Garlic butter chicken bites weave magic through this comforting pasta dish from Southern kitchens. Creamy parmesan sauce and golden chicken pieces create a memorable meal that satisfies hearty appetites.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsps cornstarch or flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• 8 oz (226 grams) pasta such as cavatappi or penne
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Generously coat chicken pieces with garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring uniform coverage.
2. Coating Application: Dust chicken with cornstarch or all-purpose flour to create a light, protective layer that guarantees a crispy exterior when cooking.
3. Skillet Searing: Heat a blend of unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal environment for golden-brown chicken.
4. Chicken Cooking: Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized crust for 4-5 minutes until reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce finely minced fresh garlic to the skillet, sautéing briefly to release intense flavor without burning.
6. Pasta Preparation: Simultaneously boil salted water and cook pasta until perfectly al dente, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking water for potential sauce modification.
7. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and slowly incorporate heavy cream, allowing it to simmer and develop a luxurious consistency.
8. Cheese Integration: Gradually add freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety texture.
9. Flavor Balancing: Season the cream sauce with additional salt and black pepper to elevate its depth and complexity.
10. Final Assembly: Combine cooked pasta with the creamy parmesan sauce, ensuring complete coating, then top with golden garlic butter chicken bites.
11. Elegant Finishing: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional extra parmesan cheese to add a final layer of sophistication and flavor.

Notes

• Coat Chicken Carefully: Use a light, even layer of cornstarch or flour to create a perfectly crispy exterior without overwhelming the meat’s natural flavor.
• Prevent Garlic Burning: Sauté minced garlic for exactly 60 seconds to release maximum flavor without bitter scorching, which can ruin the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Monitor Cooking Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without drying out the meat, ensuring each bite remains juicy and tender.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Keep a small amount of starchy cooking liquid to help emulsify and adjust sauce consistency, creating a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 710
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg