The Ultimate Creamy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Parmesan chicken bites promise a mouthwatering culinary adventure that blends comfort and sophistication in every delectable morsel.

Crispy golden exteriors give way to tender, succulent meat infused with rich, savory flavors.

garlic butter pasta serves as the perfect companion, creating a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes.

Imagine a dish that combines crunchy, cheese-crusted chicken with silky, aromatic noodles that dance across your palate.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients revamp into an irresistible meal that sparks conversation and delights the senses.

Elegant yet approachable, this recipe offers a gourmet experience without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Subtle hints of herbs and robust cheese make each bite an invitation to pure culinary pleasure.

You can want to savor every single moment of this incredible dining experience.

Cooking Garlic Chicken Pasta Bites

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in salt generously. Bring water to a rolling boil. Drop pasta into boiling water and cook according to package directions until tender but firm. Drain pasta and set aside, keeping ½ cup of pasta water for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken Bites

• Golden brown edges appear
• Chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
• No pink remains inside

Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Create Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• Sauce thickens beautifully
• Cheese melts completely
• Texture becomes smooth

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Return pasta to skillet. Gently fold pasta into sauce, ensuring every strand gets coated. Add chicken bites back into the mix. If sauce seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water until it reaches perfect consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the dish. Add an extra handful of Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious comfort meal!

Helpful Tips for Chicken Bites and Pasta

• Master Garlic Sautéing: Gently cook minced garlic until fragrant but not browned to prevent bitterness and ensure a smooth, rich flavor profile.
• Achieve Perfect Chicken Texture: Cut chicken into uniform cubes for even cooking and use medium heat to create a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining juicy inner meat.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually to thin out the sauce, creating a silky, clingy texture that perfectly coats both pasta and chicken.
• Enhance Flavor Layering: Season each component separately with salt and pepper to build depth, allowing the Parmesan and garlic to shine through in every bite.
• Optimize Cheese Melting: Incorporate Parmesan gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce that integrates seamlessly with the pasta.

Reheat & Keep Chicken Garlic Pasta

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken and pasta to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent drying. Add a splash of milk or pasta water to restore moisture and creamy texture.
• Stovetop: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little cream or butter to help revive the sauce and prevent sticking.

What to Serve with This Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, rich flavors of the Parmesan chicken with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These light, refreshing wines cut through the richness and enhance the garlic and cheese notes.
• Add Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a zesty side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan. The bright, tangy greens balance the creamy pasta and provide a fresh contrast to the heavy dish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Crostini: Prepare crispy garlic bread topped with extra Parmesan cheese to soak up the delicious sauce. The crunchy texture and additional garlic flavor perfectly match the creamy chicken pasta.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: End the meal with a light, palate-cleansing lemon sorbet. Its citrusy freshness helps cut through the rich, creamy flavors and provides a clean, refreshing finish to the hearty dish.

Garlic Butter Pasta Variations

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, add diced jalapeños, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and add thyme for an earthy, rich variation.
• Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta: Brighten the dish with fresh lemon zest, add chopped parsley, and use a splash of white wine in the sauce for a lighter, more vibrant version.

Questions Answered: Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with any pasta shape, shorter varieties like penne or rotini hold the creamy sauce best.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce butter amount, and opt for half-and-half instead of heavy cream to lower calories and fat content.

• What if I don't have fresh basil for garnish?

No worries! You can skip the basil or use dried Italian herbs as a substitute. The dish will still taste delicious.

• How long will this meal keep in the refrigerator?

Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Breakdown

• This recipe delivers a satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender chicken bites with creamy pasta, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't want complex cooking.
• The dish balances rich Parmesan cheese, fragrant garlic, and golden chicken bites, creating a restaurant-quality meal with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that anyone can master.
• The flexible sauce consistency allows home cooks to adjust thickness using reserved pasta water, making it adaptable for different preferences while ensuring a perfectly coated, creamy pasta experience.
• Using a single skillet for the entire cooking process means less washing up, making this recipe a smart choice for those who want tasty food without extensive kitchen cleanup.

Ingredients in Chicken with Garlic Butter Pasta

• Chicken: Tender protein that provides a satisfying main component for the dish, best when cubed into uniform pieces for even cooking.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich ingredients that create a creamy, luxurious sauce with deep flavor and smooth texture, ideal when freshly grated.

• Pasta: Hearty base that absorbs the creamy sauce, best when cooked al dente to maintain a slight firmness.

• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor that complements the creamy sauce, fresh garlic provides the most intense taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds a fresh finish to the rich dish, provides a color contrast and light flavor.

Creamy Parmesan Chicken Bites With Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Creamy Parmesan Chicken Bites melt perfectly with garlic butter pasta, creating a luxurious dinner experience. Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality flavor, promising delightful comfort for anyone craving sophisticated yet simple home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) chicken breast, cubed

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta in a generously salted pot of water, cooking until perfectly tender yet firm. Carefully drain, reserving a small amount of starchy liquid for later use, and set the pasta aside.
2. Heat a skillet with butter, allowing it to melt and shimmer. Introduce minced garlic, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without scorching.
3. Add cubed chicken pieces to the fragrant butter, allowing them to develop a golden exterior while ensuring complete internal cooking. The chicken should transform into succulent, crispy morsels with a rich, caramelized surface.
4. Remove the perfectly cooked chicken from the skillet, keeping it warm and ready for the next stage of preparation.
5. In the same pan, melt additional butter and create a luxurious sauce by incorporating heavy cream and finely grated Parmesan. Whisk continuously, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop a silky smooth consistency.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, adjusting the flavor profile to your personal preference.
7. Reunite the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, gently folding to ensure each strand is elegantly coated. If the sauce appears too dense, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a perfect, velvety texture.
8. Reintroduce the golden chicken bites into the pasta, carefully mixing to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
9. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped basil and an additional flourish of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and incredibly inviting.

Notes

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families.
• Creamy Parmesan sauce transforms simple chicken and pasta into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to control sauce consistency and add silky texture to the dish.
• Cooking chicken at the right temperature ensures juicy, golden bites without drying out the meat.
• Fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese elevate the flavor profile, adding brightness and depth to the final presentation.
• One-skillet method means less cleanup and maximum flavor development by using the same pan for each cooking stage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg