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This garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. The tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, then served atop fettuccine drenched in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.
I first made this recipe when I needed to impress my in-laws without spending hours in the kitchen. Now it's become our go-to special occasion meal that even my pickiest eater requests by name.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Bites
- Chicken breasts (1 lb): Boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces. Choose organic if possible for the best flavor
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Use extra virgin for more robust flavor
- Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): The foundation of your garlic sauce
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh is essential here
- Salt and black pepper: To taste. Kosher salt works best
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): The blend of herbs elevates the chicken
- Fresh parsley (diced): For garnish. Adds bright color and fresh flavor
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Fettuccine (12 oz): Or your favorite pasta. Wider noodles hold the sauce better
- Butter (2 tbsp): Creates the base for the cream sauce
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Builds flavor harmony with the chicken
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The key to silky richness
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Use freshly grated for smooth melting
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds depth while thinning the sauce slightly
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Season carefully as Parmesan adds saltiness
- Optional: Extra garlic butter to drizzle for true garlic lovers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the pasta according to package directions until perfectly al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later. Set cooked pasta aside but do not rinse as the starch helps the sauce adhere.
- Cook the Chicken Bites:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and develops a beautiful sear. Remove chicken to a clean plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons butter to the same skillet where you cooked the chicken. As the butter melts, scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. These contain incredible flavor. Add minced garlic and cook for exactly 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, as garlic can become bitter when overcooked. Return the chicken to the skillet and gently toss to coat each piece in the garlic butter sauce, letting the flavors meld for about 1 minute.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In a separate large pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a full boil. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking constantly until fully melted before adding more. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, remembering that Parmesan is already salty.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the Parmesan sauce, using tongs to gently toss until every strand is coated in the velvety sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, which helps it absorb the flavors.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Twirl the creamy pasta onto warmed plates, creating a nest in the center. Arrange the garlic butter chicken bites on top of the pasta. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the chicken pan over the entire dish. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and offer extra Parmesan at the table.
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You Must Know
The first time I served this to my family, my husband declared it better than our favorite Italian restaurant's signature dish. The secret is definitely in the garlic butter sauce. I recommend using cultured butter for even more depth of flavor.
Make-Ahead Options
This recipe can be partially prepared in advance to make dinnertime even easier. Cook the chicken bites and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in a skillet with fresh garlic butter. The pasta sauce can also be made ahead and gently reheated with a splash of cream or milk to bring it back to the proper consistency. Fresh pasta only takes minutes to cook, so you can have this impressive meal on the table in under 15 minutes with advance prep.
Perfect Pairings
Complete this indulgent meal with sides that provide balance. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. For a heartier option, roasted asparagus or broccoli roasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes provides textural contrast and nutritional balance. A glass of unoaked Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir perfectly complements the creamy flavors without overwhelming them.
Dietary Modifications
This classic comfort food can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half and half or whole milk thickened with a teaspoon of cornstarch. Those avoiding gluten can substitute their favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the Italian seasoning blend is certified gluten-free. For a vegetarian variation, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower florets, which both absorb the garlic butter beautifully while providing satisfying texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine, as a substitute for fettuccine.
- → How do I prevent the chicken bites from drying out?
Make sure not to overcook the chicken bites. Cook them over medium-high heat until golden brown and juicy.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the components in advance, but it's best to combine the pasta, sauce, and chicken just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → Can I substitute heavy cream in the sauce?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version.
- → What garnishes work well with this dish?
Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of extra garlic butter are great options.
- → How can I spice up this dish?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a slight kick of heat.