Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides the tender protein bites. The star of the dish, ensuring a hearty meal. Cut uniformly for even cooking.
• Fettuccine pasta: The perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce. Its broad surface holds sauce beautifully. Cook al dente for best texture.
• Heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce. Essential for that irresistible creamy Parmesan texture. Use full-fat for maximum indulgence.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, salty, umami depth. The foundation of the creamy sauce. Freshly grate for superior melt and flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Forms the luscious garlic butter. Crucial for rich flavor and browning. Using unsalted allows precise salt control.
• Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken. Provides a high smoke point and subtle flavor. A good quality extra virgin makes a difference.
• Garlic: The primary aromatic, infusing every bite. The essential flavor for “Garlic Butter Chicken Bites.” Freshly mince for potent aroma.
• Shallot: Adds a delicate, sweet onion flavor. It builds a subtle aromatic base without overpowering. Finely chop for quick softening.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Thins the sauce to desired consistency. Adds savory depth without heaviness. Opt for low-sodium to control seasoning.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency. Prevents a watery sauce, ensuring creaminess. Cook out raw flour taste thoroughly.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all flavors. Absolutely essential for seasoning the chicken and pasta. Season gradually and taste often.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and mild spice. Freshly ground pepper offers the best aroma and flavor. Grind just before using.
• Dried Italian seasoning: Aromatic herb blend for classic Italian-American taste. Elevates the overall flavor profile. Rub between palms before adding.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh, herbaceous notes. A perfect finishing touch for color and flavor. Chop just before serving.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Prep Pasta & Chicken:

Start by cooking fettuccine al dente per package directions; drain and set aside. Next, season your chicken bites generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring they’re ready for the pan.

Cook Chicken Bites:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high. Add chicken bites and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken, setting aside.

Sauté Aromatics:

To the same skillet, add remaining butter, then sauté shallot until softened. Stir in minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. This creates the delicious base for our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

Build Sauce:

Sprinkle flour into the skillet, stirring for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Finish Sauce:

Reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes rich and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings. This forms the luscious foundation for your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

Combine & Toss:

Add the cooked fettuccine and chicken bites back into the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the irresistible sauce.

Serve & Garnish:

Serve your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta immediately. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a beautiful, flavorful finish. Enjoy!

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

To store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Leaving it out too long will make the chicken dry and the pasta mushy, a mistake I’ve made. Discard if you notice an off smell or slimy texture.

For make-ahead convenience, cook the chicken bites and prepare the creamy sauce separately up to 1-2 days in advance. Refrigerate them in separate airtight containers. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

For a delightful meal, simply **serve** your Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta hot. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a special touch. This dish is **perfect** to **pair** with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread. **Enjoy** it warm for ultimate comfort.

My favorite way to **serve** this is with a simple, crisp green salad. The fresh, tangy greens **pair** **perfectly** with the rich, creamy pasta, providing a lovely contrast. It’s the ideal way to **enjoy** every comforting bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute pre-shredded Parmesan in Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta?

No, I strongly advise against it. Pre-shredded Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy, which isn’t fun, trust me. Always use freshly grated for a smooth, creamy sauce.

→ How do I prevent a lumpy sauce when making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta?

Whisk constantly and gradually when adding flour and liquids to the skillet. This creates a smooth roux and prevents lumps. I learned that slow and steady whisking ensures the creamy texture this dish needs.

→ Can I make these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use gluten-free fettuccine pasta. The flavor will still be wonderfully satisfying!

→ How long can I store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Leaving it out too long makes the chicken dry and pasta mushy.

→ Can I make or freeze Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta ahead?

You can prep the chicken and sauce separately 1-2 days ahead. Freezing the complete pasta dish isn’t ideal, as pasta can become mushy upon thawing and reheating, which I’ve found disappointing.