Juicy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Crispy, golden chicken bites dancing in a creamy parmesan sauce promise a dinner that’ll make mouths water.

These delectable parmesan chicken bites bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen table.

Tender chicken pieces are expertly coated and seasoned to perfection, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

The garlic butter pasta serves as a luxurious companion, adding richness and depth to every single bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you’ll have a stunning meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Dive into this irresistible combination that balances comfort and elegance on a single plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 669 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Chicken Bites With Pasta

• Linguine: Silky pasta that provides a perfect canvas for creamy sauce, choose high-quality Italian-style pasta for authentic texture.
• Salt: Enhances pasta flavor during boiling, use kosher or sea salt for robust seasoning.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, select fresh, trimmed chicken for tender, consistent bites.
• Butter: Creates rich foundation for cooking chicken, use unsalted butter for precise flavor control.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, choose fresh garlic cloves for most intense flavor profile.

• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety consistency, select premium cream with high fat content.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, nutty undertones, opt for freshly grated wheel cheese for maximum flavor intensity.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground pepper creates more vibrant taste.
• Basil: Introduces fresh, herbal brightness, select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Salt: Balances and elevates overall dish's flavor profile, use sparingly and taste continuously.

Kitchen Gear to Sauté and Toss With Ease

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing garlic, cooking chicken, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for cubing chicken and chopping fresh basil.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise chicken cutting and herb chopping.
• Pasta Pot: Used for boiling pasta in salted water.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring butter and seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: Helps freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the sauce and garnish.
• Cooking Thermometer (optional): Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Pasta and Chicken Bites

• Pasta Preparation

Boil pasta in salty water until perfectly tender. Keep some water before draining for later magic.

• Chicken Transformation

Heat butter in skillet and dance minced garlic around until aromatic. Toss chicken cubes and cook until golden and perfectly done.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Use same skillet to craft silky sauce. Swirl cream and Parmesan together, letting flavors meld and thicken beautifully.

• Delicious Fusion

Reunite pasta with luxurious sauce, gently coating each strand. Welcome chicken back to the party, stirring everything into delightful harmony. If sauce feels shy, invite reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh basil and extra Parmesan like edible confetti. Serve immediately for maximum comfort and joy.

Flavor Tips for Parmesan and Butter Balance

• Chicken Selection Hack: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and juicy bites. Trim excess fat before cubing to ensure even cooking and a leaner dish.
• Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different hard cheeses like pecorino romano, asiago, or aged cheddar to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Veggie Boost Trick: Toss in roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli florets to add extra nutrition and color to the pasta. These vegetables complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Spice Level Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or some chopped fresh jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicy twist on this classic comfort meal.

How to Save and Reheat Without Drying

• Smart Meal Prep: Chop chicken and measure ingredients in advance to streamline cooking process. Prepare components up to 24 hours before final assembly for quick weeknight dinners.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers, keeping chicken and pasta separate to maintain optimal texture. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and flavor preservation.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in refrigerator before gentle reheating.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm slowly in skillet with splash of pasta water or cream to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even temperature distribution, avoiding microwave which can dry out delicate chicken and pasta.

Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Chicken Dinner

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a bold, sharp flavor that melts beautifully into the warm pasta and chicken.
• Herb Garden Fresh: Chop a mix of fresh parsley, thyme, and chives to add a vibrant, green brightness that cuts through the creamy sauce and enhances the dish's overall taste.
• Side Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy Parmesan chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the garlic and creamy sauce, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Creamy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter Pasta promise maximum flavor in minimal time. Crispy chicken pieces nestled over silky pasta create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsps butter, divided
• 8 oz (226 g) pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse pasta in generously salted water, cooking until al dente. Drain, reserving a splash of starchy liquid, and set aside.
2. Garlic Butter Foundation: Melt butter in a skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its robust aroma without burning.
3. Chicken Transformation: Introduce chicken cubes to the aromatic butter, searing until golden and crispy, ensuring thorough internal cooking with a caramelized exterior.
4. Parmesan Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, craft a luxurious sauce by whisking heavy cream and Parmesan, allowing the mixture to thicken into a silky, rich consistency.
5. Flavor Harmonization: Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated. If needed, incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve a velvety texture.
6. Final Assembly: Reunite the golden chicken bites with the creamy pasta, gently mixing to distribute flavors evenly and create a cohesive, mouthwatering dish.
7. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped basil and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and irresistibly inviting.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy cooking liquid to adjust sauce consistency, creating a silky, smooth texture that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Garlic Caution: Stir minced garlic quickly and briefly to release flavor without burning, preventing bitter undertones in the dish.
• Chicken Searing Technique: Develop a golden, crispy exterior on chicken by allowing pieces to cook undisturbed, creating delicious caramelization.
• Cheese Melting Wisdom: Whisk Parmesan continuously into sauce to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency that coats pasta beautifully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 669
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 29 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 175 mg