Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta
Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta deliver everything you crave in a comfort food dinner—succulent, golden-seared chicken nuggets drenched in savory garlic butter, paired with a smooth, luxurious pasta. This dish is all about bold flavor, irresistible texture, and pure crowd-pleasing appeal. Easy enough for weeknights yet impressive for guests, it’s a go-to meal with universal appeal.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Each bite brings together juicy, caramelized chicken, the rich aroma of garlic and herbs, and the satisfying silkiness of a well-made creamy pasta. Best of all, it’s quick to bring together and endlessly versatile—swap the pasta shape, throw in some veggies, or amp up the spice to suit your mood. Simple ingredients, spectacular results.
Getting Prepped: Pro Tips for Efficiency
The key to perfectly seared chicken is even pieces and a hot pan. For uniform chicken chunks and perfectly diced aromatics, reach for a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. When it’s time to brown your chicken, a reliable nonstick skillet is essential for both taste and easy cleanup; the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch helps ensure the chicken comes out golden and juicy every time.
Directions for Creamy, Flavorful Success
Begin by cooking your favorite pasta to al dente perfection. As the noodles boil, season bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika for depth. Sear them quickly in hot, bubbling butter—don’t crowd the pan to ensure each morsel gets those beautiful, crisp edges.
When the chicken is done, sauté your garlic in the same pan, letting it infuse the remaining butter, then build the sauce with a splash of cream, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a little pasta water to marry every flavor. Toss it together with the drained pasta for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta
Pile your creamy pasta in a shallow bowl, top with plenty of garlic butter chicken bites, and finish with extra cheese and a shower of fresh parsley or basil. For anyone meal-prepping or packing lunch, the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl keeps your portions fresh and easy to transport.
Leftovers are just as delicious the next day—store them airtight in the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 for quick reheating, and dinner is ready in minutes.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields four hearty servings. Each serving (using regular pasta and heavy cream) contains roughly 540–590 calories, making it a satisfying main that hits all the right notes. Adjust the cream and cheese to taste (and dietary need) for a lighter or richer dish.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta (Recap)
Irresistibly decadent, these garlic butter chicken bites atop luscious creamy pasta are guaranteed to satisfy. Fast, versatile, and deeply flavorful, this is the kind of weeknight staple you’ll look forward to again and again.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set a large pot of salted water on to boil and cook your pasta al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the hot pasta water.
- While pasta cooks, pat chicken dry and dice using a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for speed and uniformity. Toss pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy outside and just cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to the same skillet. When melted, stir in garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring and scraping up any brown bits from the pan.
- Add cooked chicken bites back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Sprinkle in parmesan and a splash of reserved ~pasta water, tossing vigorously to coat. Adjust sauce with more pasta water if needed for your preferred consistency.
- Turn off the heat, garnish with parsley/basil and extra parmesan. Serve hot, with red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Enjoy this unbeatable combo of easy, exciting garlic butter chicken and pasta—perfectly suited to busy nights and special occasions alike.