Name: Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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If you’re in the mood for a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s as comforting as it is indulgent, look no further than this Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Imagine perfectly cooked chicken bites smothered in buttery garlic goodness, served atop a luscious, creamy parmesan pasta. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve just sat down at a cozy bistro with your favorite person, ready to dig into something special. Seriously, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. And the best part? It’s easy to whip up in no time!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Rich & Flavorful: The creamy parmesan sauce is rich and velvety, with a hint of garlic and a touch of tanginess from the cheese. The garlic butter chicken adds an irresistible savory element that takes this dish to the next level.

Quick & Easy: You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal. This dish comes together in just a little over 30 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a date night in!

Perfectly Balanced: With the creamy pasta and the golden, juicy chicken bites, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness. A true comfort food winner that won’t leave you feeling sluggish!

Customizable: Want to add veggies? Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted tomatoes for extra flavor. You can make this dish your own!

Ingredients in Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this dish so incredible:

Pasta (Fettuccine or Spaghetti): The base of this dish. I recommend something like fettuccine because its wide, flat shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but any pasta you love will work.

Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, this chicken is seared to golden perfection and drenched in garlic butter, giving you all the savory goodness.

Butter & Olive Oil: These are the secret to making the chicken bites so tender and flavorful, and they’ll add richness to the sauce as well.

Garlic: The garlic is what adds that irresistible aroma and flavor to the chicken and sauce, making your kitchen smell like heaven.

Heavy Cream: This is the creamy base of the sauce that gives the pasta its luscious texture.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is key here. It melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it that signature creamy, cheesy flavor that you crave.

Chicken Broth: A splash of chicken broth helps bring everything together and ensures the sauce isn’t too heavy.

Italian Seasoning & Fresh Parsley: Italian seasoning adds an herby, aromatic backdrop, while fresh parsley gives the dish a pop of color and a fresh finish.

Instructions

Let’s dive in and get cooking!

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Chicken

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken bites, season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute). Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

4. Add the Parmesan Cheese

Once the sauce is simmering, add the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture.

5. Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Then, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and give it a gentle toss to combine everything.

6. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little more parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

This dish pairs wonderfully with several sides to elevate your meal:

Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up all that creamy sauce. It’s a no-brainer!

Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pasta and adds a refreshing contrast.

Steamed Veggies: Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus would make a wonderful addition, offering some color and crunch.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add a sweet and savory depth to balance the dish.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Parmesan: It’s worth grating your parmesan fresh for this recipe. Pre-grated parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly and can affect the texture of your sauce.

Add Extra Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add extra cloves of garlic for an even bolder flavor.

Make It Lighter: To lighten up the dish, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, though the sauce may not be as rich.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use boneless skinless thighs instead of chicken breast?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Boneless skinless thighs will give the dish a juicier, more flavorful bite.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Just combine them with the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I make this dish without cream?
A3: If you want to skip the cream, you can use milk or a non-dairy milk alternative, but it will change the texture and richness of the sauce.

Q4: How can I make this spicier?
A4: To add a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce or top the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: This dish doesn’t freeze well because the cream can separate when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep for a few days in the fridge.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a showstopper of a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from the garlic butter chicken bites. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and treat yourself to something amazing!