Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe delivers a perfect blend of juicy, golden-brown chicken bites with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce that coats every strand of pasta. This easy, restaurant-quality dish is packed with garlic butter flavor and ready in just over 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Chicken Bites:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, onion powder, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce.
- Add the nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Return the chicken bites to the skillet and mix until combined.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
- Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
For extra heat, add more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
For added texture, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use olive oil instead of butter.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~520 kcal
