Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter, paired with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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)
Pasta and Sauce
- 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 according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
- Heat Butter in Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook Chicken: Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic Butter: Add 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in garlic butter. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Dish: Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Use any favorite pasta shape such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine.
- For a spicier kick, increase chili flakes to taste.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps thicken the sauce without making it heavy.
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to keep it firm and avoid mushiness.
- Try fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting texture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note to the dish.
