There’s nothing quite like a dish that combines the richness of garlic butter with the decadence of creamy Parmesan pasta. This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is perfect for weeknight when you want something easy and gourmet-level delicious. But this one is the right balance of flavor and texture: Juicy chicken bites cooked to a golden crisp, plus a velvety pasta sauce that has a deep savory flavor.
Even better, the recipe is extremely simple! you can make a dish that feels like it came out of a five-star restaurant, with a few pantry basics, like butter, garlic and Parmesan cheese. But they provide a hearty, satisfying meal that combines the comforting element of all of that pasta with the all too appealing flavor of garlic butter sauce.
This recipe is also very much customizable. From adding seasonal greens like spinach to replacing the pasta with gluten-free options, it’s adaptable enough for almost any dietary preference. If you love recipes that reward you with speed in preparation paired with this level of flavor, this will become a part of your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta has more than a few reasons to love it. Here are a few:
- Quick Prep and Cook Time: This whole dish comes together in less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it great for weeknights when you don’t have time to spare.
- Gaudiness: Scented with garlic butter and enveloped in a thick Parmesan sauce, each remains decadently comforting in a way that most everyone can get behind.
- Easily adaptable: If you want to throw in a few veggies, say spinach or mushrooms, or replace the chicken with shrimp, this recipe is made for adaptation.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy pasta is eye-catching, and the balanced flavors will keep grown-ups happy.
The appeal of this dish is not only its flavor but its versatility. Serve it with a garlic bread or some fresh garden salad to complete the meal.
Ingredients Breakdown
Everything in this recipe is an important player and contributes to the right amount of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look:
- Chicken Breast: The skinless chicken breast is a lean, tender, protein source that’s perfect for this meal. Its mild flavor absorbs the garlic butter beautifully, which makes every bite juicy and flavored.
- Butter: This is the backbone of the sauce; butter lends richness and helps develop the distinctive, silky texture.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic lends the dish a splendid, pungent flavor. Natural compounds in garlic also help it pack a healthy punch to your meals.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is key for its creamy texture and luscious flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Quality Parmesan cheese adds nutty, umami richness to the dish.
- Pasta: Penne and rotini will work best, but feel free to try out some other shapes.
- Fresh Basil: Using it for garnishing provides a burst of freshness as well as great vibrant colors.
Each one of these ingredients plays its part in creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is tasty. Looking to give your sauce a little more depth? If you want a bit of a kick, try mixing in a pinch of nutmeg or a few red pepper flakes.
Choosing the Right Pasta
The sort of pasta you use can alter the texture and the way the dish takes up flavor in a big way. And penne and rotini are your top options, but there are also serving noodle varieties that work (think farfalle or rigatoni). Here, riffs of ridges and curlicues also cradle the creamy Parmesan sauce so that every bite is infused with flavor.
Fettuccine or linguine can also work, if you want to be a bit smoother, though they won’t hold the sauce as well. When boiling the pasta, the goal here is always al dente — firm to the bite — so that it doesn’t overcook and get mushy inside the sauce.
Step by Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is simple enough, though following the details will ensure a perfect dish. To achieve flawless results every single time, follow these steps:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with salted water and boil it. Add the pasta (penne or rotini are best) and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside. Drizzle a little olive oil on the pasta to keep it from sticking together.
Pro Tip: Save about ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breast into even cubes.
- In a big skillet, melt two tablespoons butter over medium heat. When melted, add in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
- The cubed chicken should be added to the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Take out the chicken and put aside.
Tip: To achieve perfectly seared chicken, do not overcrowd the pan. Too many eggs at once lowers the temperature of the skillet so a golden crust never forms.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the other 2 tablespoons of butter. Slowly add 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly.
- Two more cups of grated Parmesan, preferably immediately grated off the cheese wheel, whisked into the sauce until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Mix Together the Ingredients
- Add the pasta to the skillet and toss to fully coat it with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta cooking water, as needed.
- Carefully fold in the chicken pieces, being sure to coat them all in the sauce.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Bites
The secret to perfectly cooked chicken bites is technique. Here’s how to get it right:
- Even Cubes: Cut chicken into even pieces so they’ll cook evenly.
- Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel so that it sears while cooking.
- Cook Generously: Sprinkle with salt, pepper and any optional spices (paprika or garlic powder) you desire.
- Preheat the Pan: A hot skillet is essential to achieving a golden-brown crust. Make sure your pan is hot enough before you toss in the butter and garlic.
- Don’t Crowd: Work in batches as needed — too much chicken in the pan cooks down the heat and won’t let the meat brown.
How to Make a Perfect Creamy Parmesan Sauce
The creamy Parmesan sauce is the heart of this dish, though. To obtain that luscious, silky texture, use these essential tip:
Step 1: Start with Butter
Start by melting butter in a skillet over moderate heat. Butter gives richness and helps emulsify the sauce.
Step 2: Add Heavy Cream
Also, stir in heavy cream slowly. This guarantees a consistent, homogeneous mix. Warm up the cream a little before adding it to the skillet for an additional flavor boost.
Step 3: Add Parmesan Cheese
Use fresh grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Grated cheese from the supermarket doesn’t always melt smoothly, which can result in a grainy sauce. Stir until completely combined and creamy.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
Use reserved pasta water if the sauce is too hard. The starch in the water helps bind the sauce together to form that nice velvety sauce that clings to the pasta well.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper and a bit of nutmeg for warmth.
Add-Ins and Variations (Optional)
This dish is just scrumptious on its own, but optional ingredients can elevate it even higher. Here are a few variations and additions to consider:
Vegetables
- You could also add sautéed spinach, mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Steamed broccoli or peas are colorful, healthful additions.
Protein Alternatives
- Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood spin.
- For a vegetarian take, sub in cubed tofu or chickpeas for the chicken.
Herbs and Spices
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, for heat.
- Try adding some fresh herbs — thyme or parsley — to get extra layers of flavor.
Dietary Substitutions
- Use dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan for a plant-based meal.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
How to Serve and Garnish
You eat with your eyes, and garnishing this dish gives it flavor and visual appeal. Here’s how to serve it like a pro:
- Last, Add a Sprinkle of Fresh Basil on Top: Chopped fresh basil over the top gives a little color and herbal freshness.
- Easy Pars: For an especially gluttonous effect, grate a little extra Parmesan on top of your finished dish, for a richer, restaurant-style appearance.
- Drizzle of Olive Oil: A small drizzle of good quality olive oil can enhance the entire flavor of the dish.
Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with hot garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Serve alongside a crisp, refreshing side salad — dressed with balsamic vinaigrette — for balance.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta || Extra rich, extra flavorful, and about as easy as you can get comfort food. With juicy chicken, luscious sauce and customizable ingredients, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. And whether you go classic or put your own spin on it, this dish provides all that gourmet flavor with very little work. Not to mention, paired with garlic bread or a simple salad, its got everything for a satisfying and well-balanced meal.
FAQs
Does butter chicken sauce go well with pasta?
The union of Butter Chicken and pasta as Italian staple creates a delicious Indian-infused pasta which serves as a perfect shared meal. The combination of butter chicken offers sweet and warm flavors with creaminess yet pasta recipes deliver complete comfort like no other. A match made in Heaven.
What goes with garlic butter chicken for dinner?
It goes well with Freezer-friendly Mashed Potatoes, and served with cooked pasta / rice, creamy cauliflower mash, zoodles (courgetti), and either green leafy salad or steamed greens.
Do pasta and chicken go together?
Chicken combines excellently with pasta as a timeless pairing that serves many cuisine possibilities. The addition of chicken provides protein and taste enhancement to bring your pasta dishes either thick and warm or thin and cool.
Can you have butter chicken with noodles?
Bring 3 cups water to boil in a medium saucepan. Add the noodles and cook for 7–8 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through. Toss in the butter chicken until the noodles are coated in the sauce and all the chicken is distributed throughout the dish. Serve hot, with the fresh coriander sprinkled on top.