If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly balances rich, creamy flavors with a comforting yet fresh vibe, you’re going to fall head over heels for the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe. This delightful meal brings together tender chicken bites cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce alongside perfectly coated fettuccine in a dreamy Parmesan cream, creating a truly irresistible plate that feels like a warm hug on a fork. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfies every craving for something cheesy, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential in crafting the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your dish. Each component plays its role – from the tender chicken and creamy sauces to the cheesy finish and aromatic parsley garnish, everything comes together seamlessly.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in a fragrant blend of herbs that complement the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a healthy fat base for perfectly searing the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Divided use; key for that rich garlic butter flavor and creamy sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the whole dish with savory, aromatic goodness.
- ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken for gooey, stretchy goodness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that boosts the cheesy factor.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice: Creates the perfect base to soak up that creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Helps thicken the sauce to luscious perfection.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Rich and velvety, the heart of the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce): Blends into the cream for deep, authentic Parmesan flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Balances the cream and helps build the sauce’s body.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): Adds a bright pop of color and a fresh note to finish.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your fettuccine or pasta of choice according to the package instructions. This ensures it turns out perfectly al dente and ready to soak up that luscious sauce. Drain well and set it aside while you focus on the chicken and sauce. Trust me, having everything prepped makes the rest of the process a breeze.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken Bites
In a generous bowl, toss your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple seasoning mix elevates the chicken’s natural flavor and complements the creamy sauce later on. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the bites develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Once ready, remove the chicken and let it rest off to the side.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet (no need to clean – that’s where the magic is), melt the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic for about one minute, just until fragrant. This step releases that iconic garlic aroma that makes everyone’s mouth water. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to take away any raw flour taste. Then gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This careful attention transforms your sauce into a creamy dream base.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese to the Sauce
Once the sauce thickens slightly, stir in the Parmesan cheese. This instantly turns the sauce into a silky, cheesy wonder that clings perfectly to the pasta and chicken bites. You’ll notice the sauce becomes lush and velvety, which is exactly what we want for this dish.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it well so every strand is covered in that heavenly sauce. Next, nestle the chicken bites back into the pan, then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, just enough time for the cheese to melt and bind all those amazing flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Parsley and Serve
To finish, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a hint of freshness and a lovely splash of color. Your Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is now ready to plate and devour!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley is all you need to brighten the dish visually and add a subtle herbaceous note. For an added touch, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a slight kick that amps up the flavor profile without overpowering the rich creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair this heavenly chicken and pasta combo with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also complement the richness wonderfully, providing balance and a splash of color on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a gorgeous presentation, serve the pasta nestled in shallow bowls with chicken bites arranged on top, drizzled once more with some extra sauce. You could also sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs for crunch or even a dusting of extra Parmesan for that finishing flourish that makes it restaurant-worthy at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the same comforting flavors without any hassle.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to cool completely before freezing, and consume within one to two months for optimum taste. Note that the texture of the pasta might change slightly after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to help loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring a juicier, more flavorful bite and still work perfectly with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine is traditional and ideal, but feel free to use penne, linguine, or even rotini. Choose shapes that can hold onto the creamy sauce well for the most delicious experience.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free butter, cheese, and cream alternatives, but keep in mind the sauce’s texture and flavor profile might vary slightly. Many plant-based cheeses don’t melt the same way, so experiment with brands to find your favorite.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe itself is mild and creamy. If you love a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauce-making step is a fantastic way to boost the spice level without overwhelming the other flavors.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe is gentle on the palate and beloved by kids and adults alike. Just omit any spicy additions and watch it disappear quickly from the dinner table.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe a try. This dish wraps you in warm, cheesy comfort while still feeling fresh and inviting—a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to nail at home. Whether it’s for a special meal or a quick weeknight delight, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites too.
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Enjoy these Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired with a creamy Parmesan pasta sauce for a comforting and indulgent meal that’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned and cooked to perfection, then combined with rich, garlicky butter sauce and melted cheeses over fettuccine, making a perfect dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coating.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic butter and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure to combine smoothly without lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Toss Pasta: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it thoroughly in the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese: Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese and the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes over low heat until the cheese melts completely and becomes gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer such as penne, rigatoni, or linguine.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you want an extra spicy kick.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and moist.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
