This is the kind of meal I make when I want something easy, comforting, and just downright satisfying. Creamy Pasta Recipes like this one feel like a warm hug on a plate, with garlic butter chicken bites that are crisped up to perfection and nestled into velvety parmesan-coated noodles. You know that moment when you take your first bite and you pause because it’s just that good? That’s what this recipe gives. We’re talking juicy, golden chicken with a buttery garlic finish, mixed with twirls of pasta swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s the kind of dinner that fills you up and still leaves you thinking about it later. I mean, how could you not? What I love most is how it balances flavor and ease. Whether you’re craving something similar to creamy chicken soup or you’re flipping through chicken pasta recipes for the hundredth time, this one’s a solid win. It checks the boxes for easy pasta recipes and even sneaks into the healthy pasta recipes list when you use whole wheat noodles and balance the portion. Bonus: if you’ve been bookmarking creamy soup recipes easy enough for weeknights, this pasta totally fits. It’s a keeper for anyone who loves pasta recipes that deliver comfort fast.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 4) How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 5) Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 6) Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!
- 9) Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- This recipe balances creamy pasta with crisp, buttery chicken bites.
- It comes together in about 35 minutes start to finish.
- The ingredients are simple but flavorful.
- This is a flexible dinner option that reheats well and works for meal prep.
2) Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
If you’ve ever ended a long day craving something cozy and homemade, you’re in the right place. These garlic butter chicken bites wrapped in a creamy pasta hug are the kind of meal I turn to when I just need things to taste like home. There’s nothing fussy here. Just good, real food that makes your fork do a happy little dance.
The pasta glides through a velvety Parmesan cream while the chicken bites, golden and crisp at the edges, soak up every bit of garlicky butter. I’m not saying this dish will solve all of life’s problems, but it does make dinner feel like less of a chore. And let’s be honest, we all need more of that.
This is one of those creamy pasta recipes that feels fancy without asking you to act like a chef. I’ve made this on hectic weeknights, on lazy Sundays, and once when I forgot we were out of groceries but still managed to scrape this together. It’s flexible, satisfying, and comforting in all the best ways.
3) Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless works best here. Cut into small bites for quick cooking and golden edges.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t skimp. They wake everything up.
Olive Oil: A little bit goes a long way to crisp the chicken beautifully.
Butter: This is where the magic happens. Butter brings richness, especially when mixed with garlic.
Garlic: Fresh and minced. When it hits that hot butter, everything just smells right.
Italian Seasoning: Adds herby depth without needing a spice rack overhaul.
Pasta: Use a short variety like penne or rotini. You want shapes that hold the sauce well.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, creamy base you’ll want to lick off the spoon.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh if possible. It melts into the sauce and gives it body.
Reserved Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save this. It helps bring everything together.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped for a bit of green and a clean finish on the plate.
4) How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1. Start by seasoning your chicken generously. Heat olive oil in a big skillet and drop in those pieces. Give them space. Let them brown. Flip once they get that crust. Then pull them out and set them aside.
Step 2. In that same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and breathe in the smell. That’s your kitchen saying “you’re doing great.”
Step 3. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning. Stir. Pour in the cream and let it simmer until it feels a little thicker on the spoon.
Step 4. While that’s happening, boil your pasta. Salty water, always. Save a splash before you drain it. Trust me on this.
Step 5. Stir Parmesan into the cream sauce. It should melt quickly and turn smooth. This is where the creamy pasta recipes really earn their name.
Step 6. Add the cooked pasta, reserved water, and chicken. Toss it all gently. Let it get warm and cozy together.
Step 7. Finish with parsley. Scoop into bowls. Try not to eat straight from the skillet. Or do. I’m not judging.
5) Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Give the chicken room. If you overcrowd the pan, you’ll steam instead of sear. That golden edge we love? It needs space to happen.
Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents. It just doesn’t melt the same. If you want creamy pasta that pulls you in, go for the real deal.
Watch the heat on the cream. Too hot, and it might break. A gentle simmer keeps it smooth. Think lazy bubbles, not a full boil.
6) Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Ahead of Time
You can absolutely prep this ahead. I like to make the chicken and store it separately from the pasta and sauce. That way, nothing turns soggy or weird overnight.
When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Pasta tends to absorb a lot as it sits, and you want things creamy, not clumpy.
This makes a great lunch too. I’ve packed it for work and even eaten it cold once. Not ideal, but still oddly good.
7) Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll be good for three to four days.
To bring it back to life, heat it gently on the stove with a spoonful of cream or milk. Stir often. Or microwave if you’re short on time.
If it feels dry, it probably needs a bit more Parmesan or cream. You can’t really go wrong with more cheese.
8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!
9) Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Creamy Pasta Recipes: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 10 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning to brown on all sides until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- Toss in the drained pasta, reserved pasta water, and cooked chicken. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe, Calories: 520, Sugar: 2 g, Sodium: 600 mg, Fat: 32 g, Saturated Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Fiber: 1.5 g, Protein: 30 g, Cholesterol: 110 mg
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