Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of savory garlic chicken and smooth, cheesy pasta, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside for later.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken bites evenly with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Garlic Butter: Add another tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken in the fragrant garlic butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.
- Prepare Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired creaminess.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it is evenly coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier bites, but chicken breasts work well too.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference or omit for mild flavor.
- Reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Freshly grated Parmesan produces creamier sauce compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Parsley garnish adds freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American