Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving. Just trim excess fat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer. They turn out extra tender, and even picky eaters tend to love the buttery, golden flavor in this dish.

What kind of pasta works best?

Penne, fusilli, or shells work best because their ridges hold the sauce. They pair perfectly with the garlic butter chicken bites for bite-sized satisfaction in every forkful. Spaghetti or linguine are fine too, but they don’t cling to the creamy parmesan as well.

How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?

Use low heat when adding cheese and whisk continuously. Avoid pre-grated cheese if possible. If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit of warm pasta water or milk to smooth it out.

Can I make garlic butter chicken bites with pasta ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and chicken ahead, but wait to combine with the sauce until ready to serve. Otherwise, the pasta may absorb the sauce and dry out.

Yes, but gently. Reheat your garlic butter chicken pasta on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat, which can make the chicken rubbery.

Is garlic butter chicken pasta freezer-friendly?

Not really. The dairy-based sauce tends to separate after freezing and thawing. It’s better to refrigerate leftovers and eat within 3 days for best flavor and texture.

Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta recipe

Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta

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Author: Kai
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 bowls 1x

Description

Golden garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta. A quick, indulgent dinner that comes together in just one skillet.

Ingredients

Scale

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
Fresh chopped parsley, to garnish

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Instructions

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
Season chicken bites with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Pour in cream, pasta water, and parmesan. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
Add pasta and toss to coat. Return chicken to the pan and mix gently.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Pro oh là là tip: Let your garlic toast slightly in the butter before adding cream. This brings out sweetness that melts right into the sauce. Use freshly grated parmesan for the creamiest finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Mains & sides
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American comfort

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 610
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 135mg