Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Tangy Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Whipping up a creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle perfectly against silky noodles draped in rich, velvety sauce.

Crispy golden edges hint at the flavor explosion waiting on your plate.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of savory and creamy textures that dance together.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike can master this delightful dish in under thirty minutes.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Sauce

  • Craft a Quick Comfort Meal: Dive into a dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Impress your family with a restaurant-quality meal using just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
  • Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy the convenience of a single-skillet meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, perfect for adapting to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

For the Pasta:
  • Pasta: A classic base that provides a hearty foundation for the creamy dish.
For the Protein:
  • Chicken: Cubed chicken that creates tender, flavorful protein bites.
For the Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce base.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
For the Butter:
  • Butter: Provides a rich, golden base for sautéing chicken and adding depth to the flavor.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, herbal note to brighten the creamy dish.

How to Make Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Follow package instructions to cook pasta until it reaches al dente texture. Once cooked, drain water completely and set pasta aside in a large serving bowl.

Step 2: Create Golden Chicken Bites

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Cubed chicken pieces

Sauté ingredients until chicken turns golden brown and cooks through completely, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Whip Up Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the same skillet with chicken. Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese while continuously stirring.

Cook sauce until it becomes smooth and thick, creating a velvety texture. Season with salt and black pepper according to taste preferences.

Step 4: Merge Pasta And Sauce

Carefully transfer cooked pasta into the skillet with creamy sauce. Gently toss pasta until every strand gets evenly coated with the rich Parmesan cream sauce.

Step 5: Plate And Garnish

Transfer pasta and chicken mixture onto serving plates. Top with additional crispy chicken bites.

Scatter fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

Tips for Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Dish

  • Rinse pasta with cold water after draining to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious flavor.
  • Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and create a silky, uniform sauce.
  • Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that's equally delicious.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to add depth and complexity to the garlic butter chicken bites.

Variations on Chicken and Pasta Dinner

  • Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, add diced jalapeños, and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Medley: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, incorporate crumbled feta, and sprinkle with oregano and fresh dill for a Greek-style transformation.
  • Vegetarian Garden Pasta: Substitute chicken with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, using vegetable broth instead of butter for a lighter, plant-based alternative.
  • Truffle Luxury Edition: Drizzle truffle oil over the finished dish, use wild mushrooms instead of chicken, and garnish with shaved pecorino for an elegant gourmet experience.

Pairings That Match Parmesan Pasta Well

  • Crisp White Wine Pairing: Enhance the creamy pasta's richness with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the buttery sauce and complementing the garlic's zesty notes.
  • Fresh Herb Salad Companion: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness, adding a bright, peppery contrast that refreshes the palate.
  • Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add a caramelized, earthy dimension that harmonizes with the chicken's golden exterior and creamy sauce.

Proper Storage for Chicken and Pasta Meal

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and sauce from pasta to prevent sogginess.

Pack components in freezer-safe containers. Pasta and sauce can freeze for 2 months, chicken separately for 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.

Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, add splash of milk or cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Warm pasta in skillet with small amount of butter or cream. Stir gently to prevent sticking and restore creamy texture. Add chicken last to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cut into the thickest piece of chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink color, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F using a meat thermometer.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Choose a pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce well.

  • What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and thick. For a lighter option, use half milk and half chicken broth.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is mild and creamy. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra kick.

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Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites brings Italian comfort right to your kitchen, blending rich flavors and tender textures. Crispy chicken morsels nestled over silky pasta create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cubed

Carbohydrates:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until perfectly tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add minced garlic and chicken cubes, sautéing until chicken turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour heavy cream into the skillet. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky and uniform, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
  4. Season the creamy sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting flavors to taste. Ensure the sauce maintains a smooth, velvety consistency.
  5. Transfer cooked pasta directly into the skillet, gently folding and coating each strand with the luxurious Parmesan cream sauce until evenly distributed.
  6. Plate the pasta and arrange garlic butter chicken bites on top. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Customize pasta texture by cooking slightly less than package instructions for a firmer bite.
  • Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor profile.
  • Transform dish into gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
  • Enhance protein content by adding extra chicken or swapping with grilled shrimp for seafood lovers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 810 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 530 mg
  • Fat: 48 g
  • Saturated Fat: 28 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 51 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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