Get ready for tender chicken bites in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with cheesy Parmesan pasta. It’s a creamy delight that everyone will love!
Honestly, who doesn’t adore cheesy pasta? 🤩 I always make extra so I can enjoy leftovers for lunch. Plus, it’s so quick to whip up—perfect for busy days when you need comfort food fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless thighs for their juicy texture, but chicken breasts work great too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey can also be used.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives this dish its creamy texture. You can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter version or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Pasta: Feel free to use your favorite pasta! While I’ve used fettuccine here, penne or spaghetti are also fantastic choices. Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds that cheesy goodness. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work well. Nutritional yeast is also a great dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken to tender perfection is key for this recipe. Start by cutting the chicken into uniform pieces, so they cook evenly. Season well with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Heat the skillet on medium-high first. This helps brown the chicken nicely.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and no longer pink in the middle.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—this prevents steaming and keeps it crispy.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your chicken bites are flavorful and juicy in your creamy sauce!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
For the Sauce:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (e.g., fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a creamy, delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken bites and cook them until they are golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sautĂ© for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty brown bits from the bottom.
4. Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with about half of the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and coat them in the creamy sauce. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing everything together until well combined and warmed through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve immediately. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of your garlic butter chicken with Parmesan pasta!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add great flavor to the dish. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a delicious dairy-free alternative. The flavors will still be wonderful!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove and add cooked chicken and pasta.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
