A Decadent, Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home
If you’re craving a dish that combines juicy, golden-seared chicken bites with a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce, all nestled beside a bed of creamy parmesan pasta, you’ve come to the right place. This dish delivers indulgence in every bite—savory, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an elevated weeknight meal, this recipe will leave you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Golden, Juicy Chicken Bites – Seared to perfection and coated in a buttery, garlic-infused sauce.
- Rich, Creamy Parmesan Pasta – A smooth, indulgent sauce that clings to every strand.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Crowd-Pleasing – A family-friendly dish that feels like a five-star meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken – In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear to Golden Perfection – Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the Garlic Butter – Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and remaining 1 tbsp of butter. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan & Herbs – Sprinkle grated parmesan over the chicken, stir well, and garnish with fresh parsley. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Pasta – In a large pot, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Sauté Garlic in Butter – In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add Heavy Cream & Seasonings – Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Melt in Parmesan – Gradually add grated parmesan, stirring until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Toss the Pasta – Add the drained pasta to the parmesan sauce and toss until fully coated.
- Plate the Dish – Serve the creamy pasta on a plate and top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish & Enjoy – Sprinkle with extra parmesan and fresh parsley for the perfect finishing touch.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well, so always opt for freshly grated parmesan.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Searing chicken in batches ensures a crispy, golden crust.
- Save Pasta Water – This helps loosen the sauce while maintaining creaminess.
- Customize It – Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Pasta
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce.
- Steamed Veggies – Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans balance the richness.
- Crisp Caesar Salad – A fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How Can I Make This Lighter?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lower-calorie version.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is pure comfort food with a gourmet touch. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or just treating yourself to an indulgent meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The perfect balance of rich, buttery flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness will have you savoring every bite.
Try it tonight, and let your taste buds thank you!
