Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta | Comforting, Creamy, and Crave-Worthy!
Samantha
Juicy garlic butter chicken bites tossed with creamy parmesan pasta—this one-skillet dinner is pure comfort! Quick to make, packed with protein, and endlessly customizable. A family favorite for busy weeknights and elegant enough for entertaining.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American Comfort, Italian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 570 kcal
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 1.25 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine or GF pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges optional
Step 1: Cook the PastaCook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside. Step 2: Sear the Chicken BitesIn a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Add chicken, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside. Step 3: Make the Parmesan SauceIn the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and nutmeg. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring often. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Step 4: Combine and FinishAdd cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Return chicken to the skillet and toss gently. Step 5: ServeGarnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta!
Secret Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
1. Use a blend of butter and olive oil: For that rich garlic butter flavor without the butter burning, combine equal parts unsalted butter and olive oil when sautéing your chicken bites. This gives you a deep, savory flavor with better browning.
2. Let the chicken bites sear undisturbed: When cooking your garlic butter chicken bites, resist moving them around too much. Letting them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side develops that irresistible golden crust that locks in juices.
3. Infuse the butter with garlic first: Before adding the chicken, sauté minced garlic in the butter until fragrant but not browned. This creates a deep, aromatic base for your creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
4. Add reserved pasta water to the sauce: Save about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water. Whisk it into your parmesan sauce to create a silky, clingy texture that coats the linguine beautifully. It makes your creamy parmesan pasta light yet luscious.
5. Use freshly grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and meltability, grate your Parmesan from a block rather than using pre-shredded. It melts smoother and intensifies the umami in your garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
6. Season each component: Season the chicken bites, pasta water, and sauce layers individually. This ensures that every bite of your creamy garlic chicken linguine is perfectly seasoned.
7. Rest the chicken before slicing: Let your cooked chicken bites rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing or plating. This helps retain their juices and tenderness when served over the creamy parmesan pasta.
8. Brighten with lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving lifts the entire dish and balances the richness of the garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta.
9. Add optional heat: For a spicy twist, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic butter, transforming this into a bold creamy garlic chicken pasta with a kick.
10. Garnish with herbs: Finish with fresh parsley, chives, or basil to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. This makes your creamy garlic butter chicken pasta even more crave-worthy.Keyword creamy garlic butter chicken bites pasta, creamy parmesan pasta with chicken, easy creamy parmesan chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta, garlic butter chicken meal prep, garlic butter chicken pasta recipe, high protein garlic butter chicken pasta, low carb garlic butter chicken pasta, parmesan garlic butter chicken bites, skillet garlic butter chicken pasta
