Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines juicy, buttery chicken with a velvety Parmesan pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken Bites:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Work in batches if needed.
- Add 2 more tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Toss the chicken to coat in the garlic butter, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Bring Everything Together:
- Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss gently with the pasta and sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes to the dish.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired