![- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1 cup chicken broth - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste In this dish, chicken shines as the main star. I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their tender texture and quick cooking time. Garlic adds a punch of flavor that makes the dish sing. Fresh garlic gives the best taste, but jarred works in a pinch. The creamy sauce comes together with heavy cream. It brings richness and smoothness to the pasta, tying everything together. I usually choose fettuccine, but any pasta will work. Butter is key in this recipe. It adds a lovely richness and helps cook the chicken. I recommend unsalted butter, as it gives you more control over the saltiness. Italian herbs bring warmth and earthiness. You can mix and match your favorites, but dried herbs are easy to use and give great flavor. Chicken broth adds depth. It helps the sauce come together and gives a savory base. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that finishes the dish perfectly. Use freshly grated cheese for the best taste. This recipe is simple, yet packed with flavor. You can find the full recipe to guide you through every step. Boiling Water Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Cooking Time Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the rest. Set the pasta aside. Sautéing Techniques In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking. Seasoning Recommendations Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs over the chicken. I often use oregano, basil, and thyme. This adds great flavor. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. It should turn golden brown and be cooked through. Adding Garlic and Broth Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells good. Then pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce for about 3 to 4 minutes. Incorporating Cream and Cheese Next, stir in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle boil. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce gets creamy. Combining Pasta and Sauce Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss it well to coat in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired thickness. Garnishing Tips Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Give it one last toss before serving. This step makes your dish look and taste great. For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. To make your garlic butter chicken bites shine, consider adding fresh herbs. Fresh basil or thyme can boost flavor. You can also use rosemary for a strong taste. If you want a little heat, try crushed red pepper flakes. They add a nice kick without being too spicy. For more depth, try adding lemon zest. It gives a fresh taste that brightens the dish. You can also sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika for a rich flavor. Mix and match these ideas to find your perfect blend. To keep chicken tender, avoid overcooking. Sauté the chicken pieces until they are golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Use medium-high heat for a nice sear. You want them juicy, not dry. When cooking pasta, always use a large pot of boiling, salted water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water. It helps adjust your sauce later if needed. Cook the pasta until it is al dente for the best texture. For serving, pile the creamy pasta in the center of a plate. Then, arrange the garlic butter chicken bites on top. This creates a beautiful and inviting look. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. If you want a fancy touch, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. It makes the dish look gourmet. For more details on this recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} Chicken Alternatives If you want a change, try using turkey or shrimp instead of chicken. Both work great with the creamy sauce. You can also use tofu for a plant-based option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times. Dairy-Free Options For a dairy-free meal, use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. This keeps the flavor rich without the dairy. Adding Vegetables You can boost nutrition by adding vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli add color and taste. Just sauté them with the chicken or toss them into the sauce. Spicy Options Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This gives the dish a nice kick. Adjust the amount to match your spice level. Pairings with Sides Garlic Butter Chicken Bites go well with a simple salad or garlic bread. These sides balance the creamy pasta. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for extra crunch. Leftover Use Ideas If you have leftovers, use them in a wrap or sandwich. The flavors meld together nicely. You can also toss them into a soup for a quick meal. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After enjoying Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta, you might have some tasty leftovers. - Refrigeration Guidelines: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it. This helps keep the flavors intact. - Freezing Instructions: If you want to save it longer, freeze the dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for about 2 months. When freezing, leave some space in the container for expansion. To enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. - Best Methods for Reheating: The best way to reheat is on the stove over low heat. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. - Maintaining Creaminess: To keep the creamy sauce smooth, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. This helps revive the creaminess that may fade when stored. Stir well after adding to ensure it blends nicely. Making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta takes about 30 minutes. You spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. The cooking time is around 20 minutes. This quick dish is perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in a skillet with a splash of broth for a quick meal. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free choice, coconut cream works well. You can also blend silken tofu with a bit of broth for a creamy texture. This post covered the ingredients, steps, and tips for making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta. You learned about the main ingredients, from chicken to pasta, and how to enhance flavors with herbs. I shared storage tips and variations to make the dish your own. Cooking is about fun and creativity. Try new flavors and enjoy your cooking journey. Each meal is a chance to discover something delicious!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/29c9af0b-cb8b-4cda-80eb-9368b4eabbac-300x300.webp)
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta
Savor the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta! This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken, rich garlic flavor, and a luxurious creamy sauce that's perfect over your favorite pasta. With just 30 minutes of prep time, it's an easy weeknight dinner that will impress everyone. Click through to discover the simple recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!