Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s a comforting and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 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.
- Add Garlic to Chicken: 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
- Use pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti for best results.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- For extra heat, include the optional chili flakes when seasoning the chicken.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for optimal flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
