Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta Recipe

Quick & Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a mouthwatering garlic butter chicken bites pasta feels like culinary magic every home cook dreams about.

Crispy chicken pieces dance with golden, herb-infused butter across tender noodles.

Weeknight dinners rarely come together this effortlessly or taste so incredible.

Each bite promises a symphony of rich, savory flavors that’ll make you swoon.

Home kitchens buzz with excitement when this simple yet spectacular dish emerges from the stove.

Fragrant garlic and succulent chicken create an irresistible combination that guarantees clean plates and happy smiles.

Dive into this recipe and watch pure deliciousness unfold before your eyes.

FAQs

  • How do I ensure the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cut into the thickest piece to verify there’s no pink in the center and juices run clear.

  • Can I use chicken breast instead of other cuts?

Yes, chicken breast works perfectly. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and ensure it’s not overcooked to maintain tenderness.

  • What if I don't have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley or other fresh herbs like basil or chives can be good substitutes. If you don’t have herbs, you can skip them without significantly impacting the dish’s flavor.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe as described is not spicy. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during the seasoning stage.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta Wins Hearts

  • Speed Up Meal Prep: Tackle this recipe in less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Swap ingredients easily to match family preferences or pantry availability, making this dish incredibly adaptable for different taste buds.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking chicken, creating a delicious sauce, and combining everything together, reducing dish washing time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combine classic ingredients like garlic, butter, and chicken that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Pasta: A classic staple that serves as the hearty base for this delicious dish.
  • Chicken: Tender protein pieces that add substance and flavor to the meal.
  • Butter: Creamy ingredient that creates a rich and luxurious sauce.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a bold and intense flavor profile.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Salt: Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, warming spice to the chicken and pasta.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright, green garnish and light herbaceous notes.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil, Parmesan Cheese: Cooking oil for sautéing and cheese for adding a salty, nutty finish to the dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook following the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Once done, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Pieces

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken pieces, allowing them to sizzle and develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Cook the chicken thoroughly, turning occasionally, until it’s completely cooked through and has a crispy outer layer.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the skillet’s heat to medium-low.

Introduce:
  • Minced garlic
  • Butter

Stir the ingredients gently, letting the garlic release its aromatic flavors. Cook for a short moment, being cautious not to let the garlic burn or turn bitter.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet with the chicken. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand and chicken piece gets generously coated with the rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Dust with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the pasta immediately while it’s steaming hot, ready to delight eager taste buds.

Tips for Chicken Bites Pasta Success

  • Reduce heat and stir constantly when adding minced garlic to avoid bitter, burnt flavor that can ruin the entire dish.
  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance flavor and create a delicious golden-brown exterior.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight firmness and prevent mushiness when mixing with the garlic butter sauce.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan adds rich, salty depth; use high-quality cheese for maximum flavor impact.

Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

  • Spicy Kick Variation: Replace butter with chili-infused olive oil and add red pepper flakes for a zesty heat.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Herb-Loaded Version: Mix in fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic herb-packed chicken pasta experience.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Pairings for Chicken Bites Pasta

Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the garlic butter’s richness and cut through the chicken’s savory profile.

Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta’s richness and add a bright, peppery contrast to the dish.

Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, enhancing the meal’s overall flavor and providing a satisfying texture.

Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives on top to add a vibrant, green freshness that lifts the dish’s heavy butter and chicken elements.

Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the chicken and pasta are completely cooled before sealing.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, wrapping tightly to prevent freezer burn, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter chicken bites pasta delivers a quick, flavor-packed meal straight from Italian-inspired kitchens. Succulent chicken pieces mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a savory symphony that will satisfy hungry diners seeking comfort on their plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti or penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 6 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley (chopped)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Fill a spacious pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Strain and reserve.
  2. Warm olive oil in a expansive skillet over robust medium-high temperature. Introduce seasoned chicken morsels, searing until achieving a gorgeous golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Lower flame to gentle medium-low intensity. Incorporate finely chopped garlic and rich butter, allowing aromatics to develop without scorching, roughly 1-2 minutes.
  4. Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet, meticulously coating each strand with the luxurious garlic butter emulsion through careful tossing.
  5. Eliminate skillet from heat source. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley and generously dust with grated Parmesan cheese, presenting a visually enticing and flavor-packed dish ready for immediate consumption.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Use high-quality butter and fresh garlic for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic profile.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of sautéing.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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