Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta -

There’s something magical about the combination of golden, garlicky chicken bites nestled atop a bed of luxuriously creamy Parmesan pasta. This dish is the epitome of comfort food—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less!
✅ Creamy & Flavorful – A perfect balance of garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken.
✅ Versatile – Swap ingredients to suit your taste (see variations below!).
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
½ cup chicken broth (adds depth of flavor)
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water (in case sauce needs thinning).

2. Prepare the Chicken Bites

Season chicken pieces with paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).

4. Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken.
Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt & pepper to taste.

5. Combine & Serve

Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
Top with the golden garlic chicken bites.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

5 Delicious Variations to Try

Spicy Kick – Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Lemon Garlic Twist – Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest + juice for brightness.
Mushroom Lovers – Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the garlic.
Bacon Upgrade – Top with crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.
Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

🔥 Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Remove it when it reaches 165°F (74°C) to keep it juicy.
🧀 Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
🍝 Save Pasta Water – The starchy liquid helps bind the sauce to the noodles.
⏳ Meal Prep Friendly – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days (reheat with a splash of milk).

Serving Suggestions

🍷 Wine Pairing – A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio balances the richness.
🥗 Side Dishes – Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
🌶 Extra Flair – Drizzle with truffle oil or sprinkle with sun-dried tomatoes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Thighs stay juicier and add extra flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep heat medium-low and stir constantly while adding cheese.

Can I make this ahead?

The sauce thickens when cooled—reheat gently with extra cream or broth.

Final Thoughts

This Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate quick, indulgent meal that tastes like it came from a fancy bistro. The crispy, buttery chicken paired with the velvety Parmesan sauce creates a dish that’s irresistibly delicious yet simple enough for any night of the week.

📌 Pin this recipe for later and follow @LivelyDish for more easy dinner ideas!

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