If you’re craving a quick, comforting meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender, golden chicken bites bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce perfectly tossed with spaghetti and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan create a wonderfully balanced and irresistible dish. This recipe combines simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, but the flavors come together to make every bite utterly delicious and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from adding richness to imparting bright flavors and textures that make this dish truly shine. The list is simple, but each element is key for getting that perfect balance of savory, buttery, and garlicky goodness.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and remain juicy, making each forkful tender and flavorful.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken just right.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle peppery kick to balance the richness.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a hint of smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to perfectly sear the chicken and add a fruity depth.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided): The star of the dish, delivering creaminess and that iconic garlic butter richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings the punch of aromatic flavor that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle heat boost for those who like a little kick.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or pasta water: Adds moistness and helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
- 8 oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta base—light, simple, and ready to soak up all that buttery sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty finish that adds depth and melts into the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with freshness and a lovely pop of color.
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional): A squeeze of lemon adds brightness and balances the richness perfectly.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions will guarantee that perfect al dente texture. Remember to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold that helps bring the sauce together later on.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, give those chicken bites a good seasoning with the salt, black pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning combo ensures that each piece is flavorful and has a nice golden color once cooked.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When it’s sizzling, add the chicken bites in a single layer—crowding them will cause steaming instead of searing. Cook each bite for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. The smell at this point will have you hooked; cook for about 1 minute just until fragrant but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
Step 5: Create the Sauce Base
Pour in your chicken broth or the reserved pasta water and carefully scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these bits are flavor gold! Let the mixture simmer for a minute or two to slightly reduce and thicken, building a silky sauce base.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return your beautiful seared chicken bites to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce, coating each piece with that rich flavor. Add the cooked spaghetti and gently toss everything together so the pasta soaks up all the buttery goodness. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color. Give it a quick taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Top your dish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and some freshly chopped parsley for that bright, fresh touch. For a little pop of acidity and brightness, don’t hesitate to serve it with lemon wedges on the side—just a little squeeze over the top elevates everything and balances the buttery richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. If you want to keep it cozy, some garlic bread or a simple crusty loaf is fantastic for sopping up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive yet easy presentation, serve the spaghetti twirled in neat nests on each plate, topping with the chicken bites and a sprinkle of cheese and herbs. For a casual family-style meal, present everything together on a large platter so everyone can dig into those irresistible garlic butter flavors. You can also toss steamed spinach or broccoli in right before serving for a lovely splash of green and extra nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken stays tender, and the flavors actually meld beautifully as they sit, making day-two tasting just as enjoyable.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch but stir occasionally to heat evenly and keep the garlic butter sauce rich and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! Linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to maintain that perfect texture.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, making them a fantastic choice for this recipe if you prefer a slightly richer taste and tender texture.
What can I do if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can easily substitute with reserved pasta water, vegetable broth, or even a splash of white wine for a different dimension of flavor. Just keep in mind that pasta water helps with sauce thickness because of its starch content.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
It’s very mild and adds just a gentle warmth that complements the garlic butter nicely. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit the red pepper flakes entirely without losing any of the wonderful flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Spinach, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms work great stirred in towards the end of cooking for added nutrients, texture, and color.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels special but comes together with ease. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress without the hassle. Once you try this warm, buttery, garlic-infused meal, it will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. So go ahead—grab those ingredients, turn up your favorite music, and enjoy a deliciously satisfying dinner tonight!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken pieces sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It’s a quick and satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights, blending rich buttery garlic flavors with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and a fresh squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or pasta water
Pasta & Garnishes
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the cooked spaghetti aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth or reserved pasta water to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the liquid simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the skillet to fully combine with the chicken and garlic butter sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to finish.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired for a fresh, zesty touch.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or a gluten-free pasta option to suit dietary preferences.
- For an extra dose of vegetables, stir in fresh spinach leaves or steamed broccoli shortly before serving.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
- Using chicken thighs instead of breast yields a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency without altering the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
