Dreamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Quick & Tasty Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Tender chicken pieces dance in a rich, golden butter sauce infused with aromatic garlic.

Each perfectly seasoned bite melts with incredible flavor and silky texture.

The creamy parmesan sauce coats every strand of pasta with luxurious, cheesy goodness.

Crisp herbs sprinkled on top add a fresh, vibrant touch to this decadent dish.

Your dinner table will come alive with delightful aromas and flavors that speak directly to the soul.

One forkful, and you’ll be transported to a world of pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 748 kcal

Servings: 3

Bold Ingredients For Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that serves as the star of the dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts for tender, juicy bites.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and creamy texture, opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor intensity.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Paprika: Brings warm, subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that create a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle kick of heat for those who enjoy spicy notes.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating the overall taste of the dish.
  • Garlic: Provides aromatic, pungent base that infuses both chicken and sauce with incredible depth.
For Sauce and Binding:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce with incredible richness.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds savory undertones and helps create smooth, cohesive sauce.
  • Butter: Delivers rich, golden flavor and helps create smooth, glossy texture.
  • Olive Oil: Provides perfect cooking medium for searing chicken with beautiful golden crust.
  • Pasta: Serves as the delicious foundation, captures sauce beautifully.
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings fresh, bright garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle herbal notes.

Tools To Nail Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Large pot: For boiling pasta and salting water.
  • Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing creamy sauce.
  • Cutting board: For mincing garlic and prepping ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: To chop garlic and parsley with precision.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring sauce and tossing pasta.
  • Measuring spoons: For accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.
  • Colander: To drain pasta after cooking.

How To Whip Up Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Pasta Preparation

Bring water to a rolling boil with a generous pinch of salt. Cook pasta until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture. Save a small splash of cooking water before draining.

  • Chicken Sizzle

Season chicken pieces with a blend of warm, aromatic spices. Heat a skillet until it’s blazing hot, then sear chicken until golden and crispy. Splash in butter and minced garlic, creating a fragrant coating that makes the chicken shine.

  • Sauce Creation

In the same pan, melt butter and dance fresh garlic around until its aroma fills the kitchen. Pour in cream and broth, letting everything bubble gently. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a silky, luxurious sauce that clings to every surface.

  • Bringing Everything Together

Swirl pasta through the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand gets a glossy, cheesy embrace. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit of reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency.

  • Final Touch

Nestle garlicky chicken bites on top of the creamy pasta. Shower with fresh herbs and an extra dusting of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’ll make mouths water.

Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Made Better

  • Pasta Perfection: Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni that catch the creamy sauce wonderfully. Slightly undercook the pasta, as it will continue absorbing sauce when mixed.
  • Protein Power: Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for different protein options. For vegetarians, grilled portobello mushrooms make an excellent meat replacement with similar texture and flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Hack: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This creates a delicious vegan-friendly version without compromising rich, creamy taste.
  • Spice Adventure: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level. For extra kick, add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Experiment with different herb combinations like fresh basil or thyme to enhance overall flavor profile.
  • Meal Prep Magic: This dish stores well in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

Serve Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Like A Pro

  • Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve this creamy pasta in deep bowls that hug the sauce, creating a warm and inviting presentation that feels like a culinary embrace.
  • Herb Garden Freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, basil, or chives on top to add a burst of color and bright, crisp flavors that cut through the richness of the creamy sauce.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the creamy Parmesan sauce and helps balance the garlic butter chicken's richness.
  • Side Salad Companion: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy, indulgent pasta and chicken.

Plan And Store Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  • Smart Refrigeration Method: Store leftovers in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep chicken and pasta separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy results.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Gently warm pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sauce separation and ensure even heating.
  • Freezing Strategy: Freeze sauce and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and consistency.
  • Meal Prep Advantage: Prepare chicken and sauce components in advance during weekly cooking sessions. Store individually in sealed containers, allowing quick assembly of delicious meals within minutes during busy weeknights.
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Dreamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Dreamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites brings restaurant-quality comfort to home kitchens. Rich Italian-inspired flavors blend seamlessly, delivering a satisfying meal that leaves diners craving more.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 300 g (10 oz) pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid before draining completely.
  2. Chicken Transformation: Season chicken pieces with a bold spice blend. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and crisp, ensuring thorough cooking. Reduce heat, add butter and garlic to create a rich glaze, then transfer chicken to a separate plate.
  3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in cream and broth, allowing the mixture to simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Incorporate Italian herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added complexity.
  4. Pasta and Sauce Fusion: Combine cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, gently tossing to coat evenly. If needed, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve an ideal sauce consistency.
  5. Plating and Garnish: Plate the creamy pasta, topping with garlic-butter chicken bites. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and visually appealing.

Notes

  • Nail Pasta Texture: Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and prevent dryness, ensuring silky, perfectly coated noodles that aren’t too thick or runny.
  • Chicken Searing Secrets: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors and prevents steaming instead of browning.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add Parmesan gradually and remove from heat to prevent curdling, creating a smooth, creamy sauce without graininess or separation.
  • Flavor Customization: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, and experiment with herb combinations to personalize the dish for different dietary preferences and taste profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 748
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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