The Creamiest Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

Let’s talk about a creamy Parmesan pasta that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Crispy garlic butter chicken bites add an irresistible twist to this comforting dish.

Twirling your fork through silky noodles coated in a rich, velvety sauce that whispers pure indulgence.

Every bite promises a perfect harmony of tender chicken and cheesy pasta goodness.

Restaurant-quality meals can totally happen in your kitchen without complicated techniques.

The secret?

Simple ingredients and a dash of love transform ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when comfort food calls your name.

Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites FAQs You’ll Want

• What makes the chicken bites so flavorful in this recipe?

The combination of paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper creates a robust seasoning blend. Searing the chicken at high heat locks in the flavors, while the garlic butter adds an extra layer of richness and depth.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

While Parmesan provides a classic, nutty flavor, you can substitute with pecorino romano or asiago cheese. These alternatives offer similar sharp and salty characteristics that work well in creamy pasta sauces.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The pasta and chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately. When ready to eat, simply reheat the components and combine. The creamy sauce tends to thicken when cooled, so have some extra pasta water or cream on hand to help restore its original consistency.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick of spice.

Why Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Feels So Comforting

• Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: This recipe delivers an irresistible combination of creamy Parmesan sauce and perfectly seasoned garlic butter chicken bites that create a mouthwatering meal bursting with rich, bold flavors.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Prepared in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a hassle-free cooking experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal anyone can master, making it perfect for busy families and novice cooks.
• Customizable Culinary Delight: The recipe allows flexible adaptations like adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes, swapping pasta types, or adding extra vegetables, ensuring it meets diverse taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful contrast between crispy golden chicken bites, smooth and velvety Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a satisfying multi-textured dining experience that keeps every bite interesting.

What Goes Into Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Chicken Breast: Tender protein source that adds delicious flavor and substance to the dish. Choose boneless, skinless pieces for easy preparation.

• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice combination that enhances chicken's natural taste. Fresh, high-quality spices make a significant difference.

• Pasta: Foundation of the recipe providing hearty texture. Any medium pasta shape works well, like penne or fettuccine.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Rich, creamy base for the sauce. Use full-fat cream for best consistency and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

• Garlic: Provides deep, pungent flavor to both chicken and sauce. Fresh garlic cloves offer the most intense taste.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle spicy kick. Adjust quantity based on personal heat preference.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh color and herbal note. Chopped just before serving maintains maximum flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Helps with cooking and adds rich flavor. Use unsalted butter for better sauce control.

Simple Instructions For Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until tender yet firm. Scoop out a half cup of starchy water before draining. Let the pasta rest while you prepare the star of the show.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Bites

• Chicken pieces
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

Sprinkle the chicken with a mix of spices, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Heat a skillet until it’s sizzling hot. Drizzle olive oil and carefully place the chicken. Sear each side until a beautiful golden crust forms. Lower the heat and introduce butter and minced garlic, creating an aromatic coating for the chicken. Toss and cook until the chicken is perfectly done. Transfer to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Whip Up a Luxurious Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and quickly sauté garlic until its fragrance fills the kitchen. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, letting the liquids dance and combine. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, watching it melt into a silky sauce. Add a whisper of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create the perfect consistency. Each strand should be lovingly coated with the rich, cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Arrange the saucy pasta on plates, nestling the crispy chicken bites on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra shower of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot, ready to delight taste buds and warm hearts.

Tips To Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Even Better

• Boost Pasta Texture: Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, ensuring a silky, perfectly coated dish without dryness.
• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Add Parmesan cheese off direct heat and stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter versions, and use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly option.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast Italian seasoning in butter for 30 seconds before adding liquid to intensify herb aromatics and bring out richer taste profiles.

How To Store Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pasta and chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and pasta to prevent soggy texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta and chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water or extra cream to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Stovetop Reviving: Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent sticking and break up clumps.
• Freezing Option: Freeze pasta and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best quality and flavor.

What To Eat With Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Elevate the creamy, garlicky dish with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, refreshing wines cut through the richness of the parmesan sauce and complement the garlic butter chicken perfectly.
• Serve with Zesty Side Salad: Create a bright contrast by adding a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens and tangy dressing will balance the creamy pasta and provide a fresh counterpoint to the rich chicken.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a quick side of roasted brussels sprouts or asparagus tossed with olive oil and sea salt. These caramelized vegetables will add a delightful textural element and boost the nutritional profile of the meal.
• Complement with Crusty Garlic Bread: Bake a quick slice of garlic bread to soak up the delicious parmesan sauce. The extra crunch and garlic flavor will enhance the overall dining experience and provide a satisfying accompaniment.

New Takes On Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Swap Italian seasoning for za'atar spice blend, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with chopped kalamata olives for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Herb-Infused Green Goddess: Replace Parmesan with creamy goat cheese, incorporate fresh basil and spinach into the sauce, and top with crispy prosciutto chips for an herbal green twist.
• Seafood Coastal Remix: Substitute chicken with seared shrimp or scallops, use white wine instead of chicken broth, and finish with fresh dill and lemon zest for a light coastal experience.
• Rustic Mushroom Alpine: Add sautéed wild mushrooms like porcini and shiitake, use gruyère cheese alongside Parmesan, and garnish with toasted pine nuts for a rich, earthy mountain-style pasta.

Creamy Parmesan Pasta With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites blends Italian comfort with savory elegance. Succulent chicken medallions dance atop silky noodles, promising a restaurant-quality meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Liquid:

• 300 g (10 oz) pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)

Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Carefully extract and preserve a modest portion of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta completely.

1. Transform chicken pieces into flavor-packed morsels by generously coating with a robust blend of spices. Ignite a skillet over medium-high flames, introducing a shimmering layer of olive oil. Sear chicken until each side develops a golden, crispy exterior, ensuring thorough cooking. Reduce heat and introduce butter and garlic, creating a luxurious coating that envelops the chicken. Carefully transfer the glistening bites to a waiting plate.

1. Utilize the same skillet to craft a velvety sauce foundation. Melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing aromatic molecules to dance and intensify. Pour in cream and broth, letting the liquid simmer and harmonize. Gradually incorporate Parmesan, stirring until a silky smooth consistency emerges. Enhance with Italian herbs and a whisper of red pepper flakes for depth.

1. Reunite the cooked pasta with the sumptuous sauce, gently tumbling to ensure each strand is lavishly dressed. Should the sauce appear too dense, delicately introduce reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

1. Artfully arrange the creamy pasta on serving plates, crowning each portion with the golden garlic-infused chicken bites. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately while the dish radiates warmth and temptation.

Notes

• Choose high-quality Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Keep pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency, helping create a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, allowing customization for different heat preferences without compromising the dish’s overall deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 705
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 67 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg