Are you craving a creamy, garlicky pasta dish that’s both indulgent and easy to make? Look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta! This rich and flavorful dish combines tender chicken bites, silky cream, and a luscious garlic butter sauce to create an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a special family gathering, or just a satisfying pasta dish, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta
Pasta dishes are often the epitome of comfort food, and this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is no exception. Its creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned chicken, and al dente pasta create a meal that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. What sets this dish apart is the balance of flavors—the richness of butter and cream with the savory garlic, tender chicken, and just the right amount of spice from the red pepper flakes (optional). It’s the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests!
In this recipe, the chicken is sautéed until golden brown, while the pasta is coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The result is a creamy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s hearty, filling, and incredibly delicious!
The Best Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta
To make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta at home, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta: These pasta shapes hold the sauce beautifully. Fettuccine offers a flat surface that wraps around the sauce, while penne’s tubes trap the creamy sauce inside. Either option is perfect for this recipe!
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender and juicy chicken breast provides the perfect protein for this dish. It’s cooked until golden brown to add texture and flavor to the dish.
For the Sauce:
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Used to lightly coat the chicken, helping it brown and adding to the thickness of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, giving it a beautiful golden crust while adding flavor.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The foundation of the garlic butter sauce that adds richness and flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for building a bold, savory flavor that enhances the entire dish.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce, making it flavorful and slightly thinner, helping the other ingredients to meld together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This creates the creamy texture of the sauce, making every bite indulgent and smooth.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat to balance the richness of the cream and butter.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness to complement the creamy pasta.
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: Because who doesn’t love more cheese on their pasta?
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta
Now, let’s break down how to make this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta from start to finish. Follow these simple steps for a creamy, garlicky masterpiece!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the water helps season the pasta as it cooks, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of your choice of pasta—whether fettuccine or penne—and cook according to the package instructions.
Fettuccine typically takes around 8-10 minutes to cook to an al dente texture, while penne may take a minute or two longer. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside for later. Be sure to save a bit of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Take 1 lb of chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. This will help ensure that each piece gets perfectly coated in the garlic butter sauce and cooks evenly. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
Once seasoned, lightly coat the chicken pieces with ½ cup of all-purpose flour. The flour will not only help give the chicken a slight crispy texture when cooked but also help thicken the sauce as it simmers.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure all sides are golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should develop a crispy, golden crust on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. The goal is to keep the chicken moist while allowing the skillet to hold onto all the delicious browned bits for flavor.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt over medium heat, and once the butter is bubbling, add the minced garlic (4 cloves). Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the sauce bitter.
The garlic will infuse the butter with its savory aroma, setting the base for the rest of the sauce. Now it’s time to add the chicken broth.
Step 5: Combine the Sauce
Add ½ cup of chicken broth to the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to the sauce, ensuring it has a rich, savory foundation. Allow the broth to come to a simmer for 3 minutes, letting the flavors blend together.
Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir until combined. The cream will give the sauce its signature creamy texture and smooth mouthfeel. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 3-4 minutes, during which time it will begin to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Add the Chicken and Parmesan
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. The Parmesan will add a subtle nutty flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the butter and cream.
At this stage, you can also add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want a little extra heat. This is entirely optional, but the hint of spice balances the creaminess of the sauce, giving the dish an exciting edge.
Step 7: Toss the Pasta
Once the sauce is perfectly combined, it’s time to add the cooked pasta. Pour the pasta into the skillet and gently toss it with the chicken and sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce. The pasta will absorb the rich flavors, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.
Step 8: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta
Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta immediately, topped with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. For extra cheesiness, feel free to add a generous amount of grated Parmesan on top. This will give the dish an extra layer of flavor and a satisfying cheesy finish.
Pair this pasta dish with a crisp green salad, some crusty bread, and a glass of white wine (optional) for a full Italian-inspired meal.
Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta
This dish is as indulgent as it sounds, with a rich and creamy sauce that satisfies your cravings. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
While it’s not the lightest dish out there, it’s definitely a satisfying and filling meal. If you want to make it a bit lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap in a lower-fat cheese. But trust me, the full-fat version is worth the indulgence!
FAQs for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta
Why did my butter chicken sauce separate?
Butter chicken sauce can separate if the heat is too high or if the cream is added too quickly. To prevent this, make sure to cook the sauce over low to medium heat and add the cream slowly, stirring continuously. If the sauce begins to split, remove it from the heat and stir in a small amount of warm water or broth to bring it back together.
What makes butter chicken so red?
The signature red color of butter chicken comes from the combination of tomatoes and red spices like paprika, chili powder, and Kashmiri red chili. These ingredients not only give the dish its vibrant color but also contribute to its rich, flavorful taste.
Why is my butter chicken chewy?
Chewy butter chicken can happen if the chicken is overcooked or not cooked properly. To avoid this, ensure that you cook the chicken until it’s just tender and no longer. Marinating the chicken in yogurt and spices before cooking can also help tenderize the meat, ensuring a juicy and soft texture.
How do you keep butter chicken from splitting?
To keep butter chicken from splitting, it’s crucial to maintain a gentle cooking temperature. Avoid boiling the sauce, as it can cause the cream to curdle. Stirring constantly and ensuring the cream is added at a moderate temperature also helps prevent the sauce from separating. Additionally, using full-fat cream or a bit of cashew paste can help stabilize the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort dish that feels like a treat yet is simple enough for any weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
This dish is highly versatile, so feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even a plant-based protein of your choice! The garlic butter sauce is rich and full of flavor, making it an excellent base for many variations. The combination of ingredients makes it both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
With only a 10-minute prep time and a 20-minute cooking time, you’ll have a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality meal ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s the perfect recipe for busy days when you still want to enjoy something delicious.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad
- Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
- Creamy Ranch Bacon Cheeseburger Mac N’ Cheese
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Easy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta – A Creamy Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, garlicky delight, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta features tender chicken, a rich garlic butter sauce, and a perfect blend of Parmesan cheese. Ideal for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Lightly coat the chicken in flour.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine the Sauce: Add chicken broth and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add Chicken and Parmesan: Return the chicken to the skillet, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, and adjust seasoning.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to use any pasta of your choice, such as penne or spaghetti.
- For an extra creamy sauce, add more heavy cream.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken bites pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic butter pasta, chicken fettuccine pasta, easy pasta recipe, comfort food pasta, quick dinner recipe