This creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites is a match made in culinary heaven. With tender chicken bites seasoned to perfection and a luscious, creamy parmesan pasta base, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Itโs quick, flavorful, and satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, combining classic flavors that everyone loves.
- Customizable: Add vegetables or spices to make it your own.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy a gourmet meal without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Olive oil and butter
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Heavy cream
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine or penne)
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken cubes with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter and sautรฉ minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until well-coated. Top with garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra parmesan on the side, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauceโs creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for better results.
FAQs
How do I keep the chicken bites tender?
Marinate the chicken with olive oil and seasoning for about 15 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may not be as rich. To thicken it, mix in a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch.
Whatโs the best type of pasta for this recipe?
Fettuccine or penne works best, but any pasta shape will do.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Itโs best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce a few hours ahead. Combine with pasta just before serving.
How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low to medium heat and avoid boiling the cream. Stir constantly while adding the parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
The chicken bites and sauce are keto-friendly, but youโll need to swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Cream-based sauces donโt freeze well as they can separate. Itโs better to refrigerate and consume within 3 days.
What other cheeses can I use?
Asiago or romano cheese can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with sautรฉed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Double the ingredients to serve a larger crowd. Make sure to use a large enough skillet for the sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites is a comforting and indulgent meal thatโs surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether youโre looking for a quick family dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and youโve got a surefire hit that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This creamy Parmesan pasta is comfort food at its finest. The velvety sauce is loaded with garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of cream, perfectly paired with juicy, golden chicken bites sautรฉed in a rich garlic butter. A quick, easy, and utterly satisfying dish thatโs perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning the sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the garlic. Sautรฉ for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the garlic butter, and remove from heat.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sautรฉ for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water or chicken broth a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until well coated.
- Serve the pasta topped with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.
- You can substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter option.
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
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