If you’re searching for a dinner that wraps you in comfort, fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and always gets rave reviews, this is it! The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta delivers a powerful punch of flavor with juicy chicken bites, gooey cheese, and a silky, luscious pasta sauce. Every forkful is perfection, and whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just a cozy night in, you’ll find yourself wishing you made extra. Trust me, this recipe will quickly earn star status in your home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is in the simple, everyday ingredients that come together for restaurant-worthy results. Each one brings a little something special, whether it’s melt-in-your-mouth texture or that irresistible cheesy crust.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ lbs): Choose juicy, fresh chicken for the most tender bites — cutting them into even pieces ensures perfect cooking.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds flavor and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Unsalted butter (3 tbsp, divided): Delivers rich, creamy notes and creates that fabulous garlic butter finish.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Don’t be shy — garlic makes this dish sing with deep, savory flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with aromatic, Mediterranean flair.
- Paprika (½ tsp): For warmth, subtle color, and just a hint of smokiness.
- Salt (½ tsp): Essential for drawing out the flavors of both the chicken and the sauce.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Just the right amount of kick to balance the creaminess.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melts into the chicken for those stretchy, cheesy bites everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup for chicken, ½ cup for sauce): Adds nutty, salty complexity and makes both the chicken and sauce shine.
- Fettuccine or pasta of choice (12 oz): Wide noodles are classic here, but feel free to use your favorite shape for texture variety.
- All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce just enough to cling to every strand of pasta.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce its unforgettable richness and silky finish.
- Chicken broth (¾ cup): Lightens the sauce a touch while adding savory depth.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tbsp): Sprinkled at the end for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with a big pot of salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in your fettuccine (or preferred pasta) and cook according to the package directions until just al dente. Once done, drain and set aside. You want the pasta ready to welcome that dreamy sauce later, so don’t overcook!
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta is bubbling, toss your chicken bites with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Heat up olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 5–7 minutes, turning for even browning. Golden edges equal flavor, and you want each piece cooked through and juicy inside.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Cheese
Sprinkle in your minced garlic right over the browned chicken. Let it sizzle for a minute to release those irresistible, fragrant oils — just watch the garlic so it doesn’t burn. Now comes the fun: shower the chicken with shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan. Stir gently until melted and gooey, coating all the bites in cheesy blanket bliss. Scoop the chicken onto a plate and keep it warm while you tackle the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour, stirring constantly to form a light roux (this should only take about a minute — you want blond, not brown!). Slowly pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking the whole time so you get a velvety, lump-free base. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the remaining ½ cup of grated Parmesan. It should thicken just enough to coat a spoon.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Add your cooked pasta right into the skillet, tossing gently to coat each strand in that gorgeous sauce. Return the garlicky, cheesy chicken bites to the pan and give everything a careful stir so sauce, chicken, and pasta mingle beautifully. Taste for seasoning — a dash more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little zing!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Slide the finished pasta and chicken onto a large platter or individual plates. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley for pop and brightness. Serve immediately while everything is gloriously hot, creamy, and cheesy — that’s when The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta truly shines!
How to Serve The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley wakes up the palate and makes each plate look restaurant-ready. For extra flair, dust the top with a bit more grated Parmesan or add a scattering of thinly sliced scallions. If you like a hint of spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes just before serving adds color and kick!
Side Dishes
This dish loves classic sides: crisp garlic bread for swiping up sauce, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Light, lemony sides and something a little crunchy bring out the best in the creamy pasta and cheesy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, family-style dinner, serve straight from the skillet at the table. If you’re feeling fancy, twirl pasta into individual nests on plates and top each with chicken bites and extra sauce. Mini cast iron skillets or ramekins make adorable single servings, especially for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers of The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours. It keeps well for up to three days, and you’ll love having a quick, satisfying lunch just waiting to be reheated!
Freezing
For best texture, freeze the chicken bites and sauce separately from the cooked pasta. Store each in zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as directed below and combine just before serving to preserve that creamy, cheesy magic.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess if needed. Stir often and heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking the chicken or drying out the sauce. The microwave works in a pinch for individual portions, but stovetop is best for texture!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and rich flavor, which makes The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta even more decadent. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into even, bite-size pieces for the best results.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Fettuccine is a classic choice because its wide, flat shape holds onto creamy parmesan sauce beautifully, but penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work well. Go with your favorite or whatever you have on hand — the flavors will be just as delicious!
Can I make The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce will thicken just the same, and you won’t miss any of the creaminess or flavor.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or halved cherry tomatoes make tasty, colorful additions. Stir them into the sauce with the pasta or roast them separately and serve on the side for a veggie-packed meal.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
For a lighter spin, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk and use a bit less cheese — just keep in mind that the sauce will be slightly less rich. You can also bulk up with extra veggies for a balanced meal!
Final Thoughts
It’s impossible not to fall for The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Every bite brings together flavors and textures that are so satisfying, you’ll want to make it again the second you put your fork down. Give this recipe a try the next time you need a dinner that feels like an embrace, and watch it become a new favorite in your regular rotation!
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The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these succulent Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served with a luscious Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta per package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Bites: Season chicken, cook in skillet with olive oil and butter. Add garlic, cheeses, then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter in skillet, whisk in flour, add broth and cream, stir in Parmesan until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in sauce, add chicken bites, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with garlic butter or red pepper flakes.
- Penne or linguine can be substituted for fettuccine.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
