Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready to dive into a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick, delicious, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Say hello to Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta—a match made in heaven that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for quick family dinners
- A creamy, indulgent sauce that’s sure to become a favorite
- Uses simple, accessible ingredients you probably already have on hand
- Ready in just 30 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinner ideas
- A kid-friendly meal that’s also sophisticated enough for adults
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy pasta recipes come to life:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s break this down into simple, manageable steps:
- Prepare your ingredients: Start by mincing your garlic and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures everything cooks evenly and quickly.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Create the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining—it’s a pro tip for achieving the perfect sauce consistency!
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to combine.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to take your dish to the next level:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh Parmesan and real butter make a big difference in the flavor.
- Don’t skip the pasta water: It’s packed with starches that help create a silky, well-coated sauce.
- Customize to your taste: Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
How to Serve
Serving suggestions to make your meal complete:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Offer some crusty bread on the side to mop up that delicious sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Want to plan ahead? Here’s how to store and reheat:
- Make ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine with cooked pasta just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
And there you have it—a creamy garlic pasta dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for easy dinners with chicken or a 30-minute meal solution, this recipe delivers. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to check out more of our quick family dinners like Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast, and Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare ingredients: mince garlic and cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and remaining tablespoon of butter; add grated parmesan cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Combine drained pasta with the chicken and sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.