These garlic butter chicken bites are tender and juicy, cooked to perfection and tossed in a rich buttery sauce. Paired with creamy parmesan pasta, which is super cheesy and comforting!
I love making this dish on busy weeknights because it’s quick and brings a smile to everyone’s face. Plus, who can resist that garlic aroma? It’s simply mouthwatering! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness. If you have a preference for breast meat or need a leaner option, that works too! For a quicker option, you could use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and simply sauté it with garlic and butter.
Pasta: I love using fettuccine because of its wide surface for holding that creamy sauce. You can swap it for any pasta you have on hand like penne or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The sauce will not be as rich, but it’ll still be delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. In a pinch, you can use pre-grated cheese, but block cheese grates better. If you’re avoiding dairy, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Can I Perfectly Cook Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Cooking the chicken bites well is crucial for great flavor. Here’s how to get them juicy and packed with garlic goodness:
- Start by seasoning the chicken well before cooking. This adds flavor throughout!
- Heat your skillet on medium-high; this helps to sear the chicken and create a nice golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Add the garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
Following these tips will elevate your garlic butter chicken bites to the next level, making them irresistible! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (e.g., fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and 20 minutes preparing the chicken bites and the creamy sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying dinner option for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. When done, drain the pasta but keep ½ cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside in a colander.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken Bites:
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken bites. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
Next, add the minced garlic and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is well coated in the garlic butter. Then, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. If it seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until reaching your desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta directly into the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta gently until it’s evenly coated with that delicious sauce.
5. Serve:
To serve, plate the creamy Parmesan pasta first. Top generously with your warm garlic butter chicken bites. For an extra touch, garnish with more chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you even juicier bites. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, or use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The sauce may be slightly less rich, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce’s consistency.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve. Remember to stir in a little extra cream or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess!
