Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cooked in garlic butter, paired with pasta tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Add 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in garlic butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat the remaining butter and olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield juicier bites.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for smooth texture.
- Chili flakes are optional but add a slight kick to the chicken.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and tastes superior compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best to absorb the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
