The Best Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This recipe for Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta combines all the flavors you love in one delightful dish. The chicken bites are savory, garlicky, and buttery, perfectly paired with a creamy parmesan sauce that coats your pasta in richness. The crispy, tender chicken balls are bursting with flavor, enhanced by the addition of Italian seasoning and fresh garlic. The creamy parmesan sauce adds a luxurious touch to the dish, making it indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re serving this for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. The balance of the crispy chicken bites with the smooth, rich pasta sauce creates an irresistible combination. This dish is satisfying, quick to make, and sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

The blend of textures and flavors in this dish makes it truly special. The garlic butter chicken bites are perfectly seasoned, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, while the creamy parmesan sauce envelops the pasta in a velvety richness. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that brings together a variety of ingredients to create a balanced and flavorful dish. Plus, it’s easy to make, which is a bonus for busy weeknights or even when you’re hosting guests. The whole family will love the combination of cheesy chicken bites and creamy pasta, and you can even adjust the seasonings to suit your personal taste. It’s a great choice when you want something indulgent but not overly complicated.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Balls:

  • Ground chicken
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Egg
  • Garlic, minced
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Butter

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

  • Butter
  • Garlic, minced
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

For the Pasta:

  • Spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are several ways to customize this recipe. For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for a reduced-fat version or even use half-and-half. You could also opt for ground turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor profile. To add some greens, toss in some sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. If you prefer a bit more heat, adding red pepper flakes to the creamy parmesan sauce will give it a nice kick. For a different texture, you can try using penne or fettuccine pasta instead of spaghetti or linguine. There’s no shortage of ways to make this dish your own!

How to Make the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the egg to bind the mixture together. Use your hands to form the mixture into small bite-sized balls.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chicken balls to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Once they’re golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Once thickened, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Gently fold in the chicken bites, making sure they’re covered in the sauce. Let everything cook together for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cheesy garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Making the Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • For extra crispy chicken bites, you can bake them in the oven instead of pan-frying. Simply place the chicken balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • If you want to save time, use store-bought breadcrumbs and pre-grated parmesan cheese.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the creamy sauce.
  • You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less chicken broth, depending on your preference.

How to Serve

This dish is best served immediately after preparation while the chicken bites are still crispy and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. If you’re serving this for a special occasion, consider pairing it with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken bites and pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the sauce to bring it back to the right consistency.

Freezing

While it’s not recommended to freeze the creamy pasta sauce (as it may separate upon thawing), you can freeze the chicken bites. To do so, place the cooked chicken bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken bites and pasta, warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to the sauce if needed to prevent it from becoming too thick. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the chicken bites?

Yes, ground turkey or even ground beef can be substituted for the ground chicken in this recipe.

2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free butter, non-dairy cream, and a plant-based parmesan substitute.

3. How can I make the pasta gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta in place of regular spaghetti or linguine to make the dish gluten-free.

4. Can I bake the chicken bites instead of frying them?

Yes, baking is a great option. Bake the chicken bites at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Can I use store-bought pasta sauce instead of making my own?

While homemade sauce adds extra flavor, you can substitute store-bought creamy parmesan sauce if you’re short on time.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would complement the dish beautifully.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To make the dish spicier, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or include a dash of hot sauce.

8. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta to al dente, and make sure you add it to the sauce just before serving to avoid overcooking.

9. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve more people, though you may need to cook the chicken bites in batches.

10. Can I prepare the chicken balls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken balls ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and indulgent dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The tender chicken bites and creamy sauce are a perfect pairing, making this a meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, it’s a dish that’s both beginner-friendly and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!

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Cheesy chicken bites, creamy pasta, garlic butter chicken, Parmesan pasta, comfort food, chicken dinner

Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

 

A deliciously creamy and comforting dish featuring juicy garlic butter chicken bites paired with rich, velvety Parmesan sauce and served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. This savory meal is an absolute crowd-pleaser and the ultimate dinner indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Balls:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

  • Make the Chicken Balls: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully combined. Form the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chicken balls and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Assemble: Add the cooked chicken balls back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce.
  • Serve: Toss the pasta into the skillet with the sauce and chicken, mixing well. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though it may affect the creaminess.
  • You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but spaghetti or linguine works best for this dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-fried, sautéed, stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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