Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe features tender chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter, served over rich and silky Parmesan-infused pasta. It’s an easy stovetop meal combining classic American-Italian flavors, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed to loosen sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika to season evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add Garlic Butter to Chicken: Reduce heat slightly and add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the butter melts, infusing flavor into the chicken. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest thoroughly.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a clean large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top generously with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately for a rich, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or sprinkle red pepper flakes to the chicken or pasta for brightness or extra heat.
- For a veggie boost, stir fresh spinach into the creamy pasta sauce just before combining with the pasta, allowing it to wilt gently.
- Use gluten-free pasta if desired to adapt recipe for gluten sensitivity.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent the cream sauce from breaking.
