Golden Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Pasta Ready in 25 Minutes
Cutting chicken into small bites means more surface area touches the hot pan at once, and that’s exactly why these pieces turn deeply golden and crisp in half the time a whole cutlet would take.
This garlic butter chicken bites with pasta recipe tosses those crispy pieces with a buttery garlic sauce, finished with parmesan and parsley in every bite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bite-sized chicken pieces sear faster and get crispier than a whole cutlet ever could.
- The garlic butter sauce comes together in the same skillet in just a few minutes.
- Ready in about 25 minutes, making it one of the quickest dinners in this collection.
- A satisfying one-pan meal with protein and pasta both covered.
- Kid-friendly bite-sized pieces make this an easy sell at the family table.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Crockery and Time To Create
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large deep skillet
- Tongs
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 4
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Turkey breast, cubed: replaces chicken breast for a leaner protein option.
- Chicken thighs, cubed: replace chicken breast for a juicier, richer bite.
- Gluten-free penne: replaces regular pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Fresh lemon juice: add a squeeze at the end for a brighter finish.
- Turkey sausage links, sliced: adds a savory addition alongside the chicken for extra depth.
- Seasoned panko: toss the raw chicken cubes in panko before searing for an extra-crunchy exterior.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta Boil the penne in salted water until al dente, about 11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the noodles aside.
Season the Chicken Toss the cubed chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Sear the Chicken Bites Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites in a single layer and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy on all sides.
Set the Chicken Aside Transfer the crispy chicken bites to a plate and set aside, letting them rest while the sauce comes together in the same skillet.
Melt the Butter and Garlic In the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the butter turns lightly foamy.
Build the Sauce Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce Return the crispy chicken bites to the skillet, tossing gently until each piece is glazed and coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Toss in the Pasta Add the drained penne directly into the skillet. Toss gently with tongs, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed, until the pasta is fully coated in the buttery sauce.
Melt in the Parmesan Sprinkle in the grated parmesan, tossing until it melts into the sauce and coats the pasta evenly. Stir in the red pepper flakes if using.
Garnish and Serve Plate the pasta and chicken immediately while hot, finishing with a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Cut the chicken into even-sized cubes so every piece cooks at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing, since this steams the chicken instead of browning it.
- Watch the butter closely once the garlic goes in, since it can burn quickly over high heat.
- Save the pasta water before draining, since it helps loosen the sauce to the right consistency.
- Toss everything together off direct high heat to keep the sauce from breaking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan with chicken: this steams the bites instead of searing them, so cook in batches if needed.
- Burning the garlic: it turns bitter fast, so keep the heat at medium once it hits the butter.
- Skipping the pasta water: without it, the sauce can turn too thin or greasy instead of glossy.
- Cutting the chicken unevenly: smaller pieces cook faster and can dry out while larger pieces are still raw.
What to Serve With
- Garlic bread: perfect for scooping up any extra garlic butter sauce left on the plate.
- A simple side salad: crisp greens with a light vinaigrette balance the richness of the butter sauce.
- Steamed broccoli: adds a light vegetable side that pairs well with the garlic butter flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: freeze in a covered container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water, tossing until heated through.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 630 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Nutrition values are estimates only and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. | |
Health Benefits
The chicken breast in this dish provides a strong dose of lean protein, especially once it’s balanced against the butter sauce rather than a heavier cream base.
Garlic contributes beneficial plant compounds along with its flavor, adding a bit of nutritional value on top of its role in the sauce.
Conclusion
This garlic butter chicken bites with pasta recipe is the dinner I make when I want something quick, satisfying, and genuinely craveable. Give it a try this week, save it for your next busy weeknight, and share it with anyone who loves a good garlic butter sauce.
