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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta: A Delicious Weeknight Dinner
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is the perfect dish. Tender, juicy chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with silky smooth pasta in a creamy sauce—this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ Flavor-Packed – Garlic butter sauce adds richness, while the creamy pasta balances the dish.
✅ Versatile – Pair with your favorite pasta, veggies, or even a side salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Pasta Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until fully coated.
4. Combine & Serve
- Add the garlic butter chicken bites back to the skillet and mix gently.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
🔹 Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep it tender by cooking just until no longer pink inside.
🔹 Use Fresh Garlic – It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to garlic powder.
🔹 Adjust Creaminess – For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad – A fresh arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
- Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and add more flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Can I make this dish ahead?
While best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce separately, then combine when ready to serve.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
If you loved this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta, check out these other amazing dishes:
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta (Internal Link)
- Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry (External Link)
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home. The combination of savory garlic butter chicken and luscious creamy pasta is simply irresistible. Give it a try tonight—your taste buds will thank you!
