Some nights, you want a dinner that feels like a warm hug without dirtying every pan in the kitchen. This dish? It delivers. Garlic butter chicken bites that sear up golden in minutes, paired with creamy parmesan pasta that comes together faster than you can say “where’s the wine?” I’ve made this more times than I care to admit—mainly because it turns a quiet Tuesday into something a little more special. The garlic sings, the chicken stays juicy, and the pasta soaks up every last bit of the cheesy, creamy sauce. It’s got that homemade feel without making you work for it. Whether you’re feeding the crew or just yourself (with leftovers you’ll actually look forward to), this one’s staying on repeat. It hits all the right notes if you’re craving comfort food recipes that still let you kick your feet up afterward.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 4) How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 5) Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 6) Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
- 9) Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- What makes this pasta dish so creamy and comforting?
- How do garlic butter chicken bites add depth to pasta?
- Which pasta works best for soaking up all that cheesy sauce?
- Why is this the comfort food recipe I keep coming back to?
2) Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
We all need that one recipe that never lets us down. This one is mine. I turn to it when I need comfort, a win, or just something that doesn’t require a culinary degree. These garlic butter chicken bites sear up golden with barely any effort, and the creamy parmesan pasta? It hugs the chicken like it was made to. The sauce coats each bite with a velvet richness that somehow tastes like I spent hours on it. Spoiler: I didn’t.
This is one of those comfort food recipes that stays in the rotation. It’s fast, flexible, and deeply satisfying. And yes, you can absolutely pour yourself a glass of wine while it simmers because the hardest part is waiting until dinner’s ready. It’s creamy, it’s cozy, and it’s downright tasty.
And if you’re wondering if the kids will eat it? They will. Mine fought over seconds last night. That’s how I knew we nailed it.
3) Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, and cut into chunks that cook quickly. We’re talking juicy, golden edges with tender centers. They soak up that garlicky butter like a dream.
Salt and Pepper: The classics. They wake up the flavor of the chicken before it even hits the skillet.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a whisper of heat and a lovely depth. Just enough to make you go, “What’s that?” in a good way.
Olive Oil: Helps get the chicken going in the pan. Keeps things from sticking, adds flavor, does a little heavy lifting.
Butter: This is where the comfort kicks in. You’ll need a good amount. Let it melt, let it brown a touch, let it mingle with the garlic.
Garlic: Fresh is best. It’s the backbone of this recipe and what gives the sauce its soul.
Heavy Cream: For that creamy, dreamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It thickens as it simmers and gives the dish a cozy richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated if you can manage it. It melts into the cream and turns the sauce into something you’ll want to lick off the spoon.
Italian Seasoning: A pinch gives a nudge of herby flavor that balances the garlic and cheese.
Pasta: I like penne or fettuccine here. Something with shape that catches the sauce in all the right places.
Parsley: Just for a little green and a touch of fresh to finish things off. Optional, but worth it.
4) How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1. Boil a pot of salted water. Cook the pasta till it’s al dente. Drain it and set it aside. We’ll call it back soon.
Step 2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure every piece gets some love.
Step 3. In a hot skillet, add olive oil. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan. Let the chicken get a nice crust. Set aside.
Step 4. Turn the heat down. Add butter and garlic to the same skillet. Stir it gently till fragrant and golden, not burned.
Step 5. Pour in the heavy cream. Add parmesan and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Step 6. Return the pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss it all together. Let it get cozy for a couple of minutes.
Step 7. Plate it up. Sprinkle with parsley. Maybe a little more parmesan if you’re like me. Serve hot.
5) Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Let your chicken sit out for ten minutes before cooking. Straight-from-the-fridge meat doesn’t brown well. This small step helps you get a better sear.
Use fresh garlic. Don’t skimp here. The minced kind from the jar doesn’t hit the same. This dish leans on garlic flavor, and the real stuff makes a difference.
Grate your own parmesan if you’ve got the time. Pre-shredded doesn’t melt as well and can make the sauce a little clumpy. It’s a tiny effort for a big comfort food reward.
6) Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Ahead of Time
If you’re thinking ahead, this dish plays nice. Make the pasta and chicken the day before, then store them separately. That way nothing gets soggy or clumps together in the fridge.
Reheat the sauce gently. Add a splash of cream or milk if it feels too thick. Warm everything over low heat so the dairy doesn’t break or turn gritty.
Save the parsley garnish and final parmesan sprinkle for just before serving. It keeps the dish looking and tasting fresh.
7) Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Spoon any leftovers into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for three to four days without complaint.
When it’s time to reheat, do it low and slow. A microwave works in a pinch, but a skillet over low heat brings it back to life better. A touch of cream helps restore the sauce.
If the pasta starts to stick, stir in a splash of chicken broth. It brings back that silky texture and saves the comfort food feel.
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Comfort Food Recipes Done Right
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 lb pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine work great)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the cream, stir in parmesan and Italian seasoning, and let it simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if you’re feeling generous.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 plate | Calories: 565 | Sugar: 2.8 g | Sodium: 520 mg | Fat: 32 g | Saturated Fat: 15 g | Carbohydrates: 42 g | Fiber: 2.1 g | Protein: 28 g | Cholesterol: 105 mg
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