This recipe brings together succulent chicken, perfectly seared, mingled with garlic-infused cream and Parmesan. The pasta absorbs rich flavors, creating a dish that exudes indulgence without being heavy. Ideal for What To Make For Dinner With Chicken and Healthy Dinner For The Family, it offers a comforting, satisfying experience perfect for any busy night.

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I’m excited to share my take on Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Pasta. I made this dish for a quick yet hearty dinner that provides lean protein and a creamy carb boost.

I start off with 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces, seasoned well with salt and pepper, and sizzled in 2 tbsp olive oil. Next I add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 6 garlic cloves minced for that punchy flavor.

I then mix in 8 oz of pasta, heavy cream, and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese to get a light but satisfying sauce. I sometimes throw in a bit of red pepper flakes for extra kick and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.

This dish is a balanced and nutritious easy bake dinner idea that is both healthy and quick for the family dinner table. Enjoy the wholesome flavors and simplicity of this recipe.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super easy to make even if I’m not a master chef. I love how the garlic and butter mix together to give the chicken a rich flavor that just fills my whole kitchen with this yummy smell. It also makes me feel like I’m treating my family to something special even on a busy day, and that’s pretty cool to me. The creamy sauce with Parmesan totally takes the flavor over the top, and I can always tweak it by adding a bit of pasta water if I want it a little lighter. Plus, tossing everything together in one pan makes clean up a lot less of a hassle, which is always a bonus!

Ingredients

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Chicken is lean in protein and adds a hearty flavor.
Pasta is rich in carbs which power energy but low in fibre.
Butter gives that rich creamy taste and can have lots of saturated fat.
Heavy cream makes a luscious sauce with smooth texture thats addictive, but heavy.
Garlic brings a zesty flavor alongwith its helpful antioxidants.
Parmesan adds a salted kick and extra protein plus calcium.
Red pepper flakes give a spicy pop that cuts through the creamy sauce.
Olive oil offers healthy monounsaturated fats boosting flavor without heaviness.
Fresh parsley is not just garnish it brings a fresh green finish.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided into parts)

6 garlic cloves, minced

8 oz pasta like penne or fettuccine

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make this

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1. Season the bite-size chicken pieces well with salt and pepper.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook them until golden brown and just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Once the chicken is browned, push it to one side and add 2 tablespoons of the butter along with the minced garlic. Let the garlic sizzle for about a minute until it smells amazing, then stir it around so everything gets coated.

4. In a separate pot, boil water with a pinch of salt and cook your pasta (penne or fettuccine) until it’s al dente, following the package instructions.

5. Drain the pasta, but be sure to save a little bit of the pasta water for adjusting the sauce if needed.

6. With the heat on low, pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken and garlic and then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

7. Let the cream sauce simmer gently for a couple of minutes so it thickens slightly.

8. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly so the sauce evenly coats the pasta and chicken. If it feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

9. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for an extra rich flavor. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

10. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Chef’s knife and cutting board for cutting the chicken and chopping the garlic and parsley
2. Large skillet for browning the chicken and making the cream sauce
3. Medium to large pot for boiling the pasta
4. Colander for draining the pasta
5. Measuring cups and spoons for the heavy cream, butter, and red pepper flakes
6. Stirring spoon or spatula that’s heat resistant for mixing the ingredients in the skillet

FAQ

Q: Can I substitute the pasta type in this recipe?

A: Sure thing! You can use any pasta you like. Penne or fettuccine works best with the creamy sauce, but feel free to experiment with macaroni or spaghetti if you're feeling adventurous.

Q: How can I prevent the chicken pieces from turning out dry?

A: A good tip is to not overcook the chicken. Sear it quickly over medium-high heat until it's just cooked through. This way, it stays nice and juicy.

Q: Can I make this dish less creamy?

A: If you're not a big fan of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream. Just note that the sauce might be a bit thinner than the original recipe.

Q: How do I store any leftovers safely?

A: Leftovers should be cooled down and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat.

Q: What if I don't have red pepper flakes, can I add something else?

A: If you like a little heat but don't have red pepper flakes, you could try a pinch of cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce. Just add a little at a time so you don't overdo it.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or even canola oil as an alternative.
Unsalted butter can be swapped with salted butter or even some ghee if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
If heavy cream is hard to find, you might try substituting with half and half mixed with a tbsp of flour or pure full fat coconut milk for a dairy free twist.
Instead of Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can work pretty well in the dish.
Found no pasta like penne or fettuccine? Spaghetti or even wide egg noodles can do the job.

Pro Tips

1. Don’t be scared to use the reserved pasta water slowly to thin out the sauce if it gets too thick – it’s like a secret trick to perfect consistency.
2. For that extra burst of flavor, cook the garlic with the butter just until it feels aromatic, but be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic messes up the taste real quick.
3. Make sure to really brown the chicken well before mixing in the sauce – sometimes a little extra browning makes a big difference in flavor!
4. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in a dash more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of another spice while the sauce simmers for a personal twist.