Sizzling Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta Recipe

My weeknight cooking transformed when I discovered this skillet garlic butter chicken with parmesan pasta that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Perfectly seared chicken breasts mingle with silky pasta strands coated in a luxurious sauce.

butter creates a rich base while fresh garlic infuses every delectable bite.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something truly spectacular on your dinner plate.

Herbs sprinkled across the top add brightness and complexity to this comforting meal.

Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality results in under thirty minutes.

Dive into this one-pan wonder that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Parmesan Pasta That Impress

• Savor Quick Cooking: Prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: A rich, creamy pasta dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family meals or casual gatherings with friends.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for cooking chicken and creating a luxurious sauce, reducing overall dish washing and saving precious time.

Ingredients To Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Pasta

• Chicken: Tender, cubed meat that provides a hearty protein base for the dish.

• Pasta: Classic pasta that serves as the foundation of the creamy main course.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich dairy components that create a smooth and luxurious sauce texture.

• Garlic: Flavorful ingredient that adds depth and pungent taste to the chicken and sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Butter: Creamy fat that helps develop rich flavor and provides cooking medium.

• Fresh Basil, Extra Parmesan Cheese: Finishing touches that add freshness and extra flavor complexity.

How To Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt to enhance the flavor.

Let the water come to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook it until it’s tender but still has a slight bite.

Once done, drain the pasta but keep a half cup of the starchy water on the side – this liquid gold will help make your sauce extra creamy later.

Step 2: Create Golden Chicken Bites

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle until it releases its amazing aroma. Add the chicken cubes and season with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through. Once done, scoop out the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Dreamy Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt more butter. Pour in the heavy cream and whisk it gently.

Slowly sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy. Season with salt and pepper to match your taste.

Step 4: Combine the Magic

Add the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, tossing everything to ensure each pasta strand gets coated. Fold in the golden chicken bites and mix well.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Serve the dish immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the delicious combination of garlic butter chicken and creamy pasta.

Tips To Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Pasta

• Select fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy bites that cook quickly and evenly.
• Avoid burning garlic by sautéing it briefly over medium heat, just until fragrant, to prevent bitterness and maintain a delicate flavor.
• Use reserved pasta water strategically to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a silky, smooth texture that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually, remembering that Parmesan cheese adds natural saltiness to the dish.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F internal temperature while maintaining a golden-brown exterior by using medium heat and stirring occasionally.

Flavorful Twists To Try On Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Protein Swap Chicken: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey breast, or tofu cubes for different protein options that match the garlic butter sauce perfectly.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute regular pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to create a lighter, gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy sauce's rich flavor.
• Spicy Herb Kick: Add red pepper flakes, chopped fresh thyme, or oregano to introduce a zesty herbal dimension that elevates the dish's overall taste profile.
• Mediterranean Inspired Variation: Incorporate diced sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the recipe into a Mediterranean-style chicken pasta with enhanced Mediterranean flavors.

Pairing Suggestions To Enjoy With Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, garlic-rich dish with its bright, acidic profile that cuts through the richness.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the rich chicken bites.
• Toss together seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to add color, nutrition, and a caramelized texture that enhances the main dish's flavors.

Storage Tips To Keep Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Is chicken bites and cubed chicken the same?

Chicken bites are small, bite-sized pieces of chicken cut into uniform cubes, typically around 1-inch in size, making them easy to eat and cook quickly.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Choose pasta that holds sauce well and complements the creamy Parmesan sauce.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken should also look golden brown and have no pink color in the center.

Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken With Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent skillet garlic butter chicken dances with parmesan pasta in a symphony of rich, comforting flavors. Creamy sauce and golden-seared chicken promise a delightful meal that brings Italian-inspired warmth directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breast, cubed

Dairy and Cheese:

• 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Pasta:

• 8 ounces (8 oz) pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
• Salt for pasta water
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until tender, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of starchy water for later use.
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat around 350°F. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
3. Introduce cubed chicken to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring periodically, ensuring chicken reaches golden brown color and internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same pan, melt remaining butter.
5. Pour heavy cream into the pan, stirring consistently. Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Adjust sauce seasoning with salt and pepper to personal preference.
7. Add cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, thoroughly coating each piece. Incorporate chicken bites and blend well.
8. If sauce appears too dense, introduce reserved pasta water incrementally until reaching desired texture.
9. Enhance dish by sprinkling fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese on top.
10. Serve hot, immediately after preparation, for optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is uniformly cubed for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help sauces blend smoothly and prevent curdling.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve golden-brown crispy exterior when sautéing.
• Customize protein by substituting chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 686 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 26 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg