Description

A flavorful and satisfying dish featuring juicy garlic butter chicken bites and creamy parmesan pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Bites:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; toss to coat.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from pan.
Melt butter in the same skillet, add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return chicken to the pan, toss in garlic butter, and sprinkle with parsley. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Stir in heavy cream and let it heat without boiling.
Add parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring until smooth.
Toss in the pasta, mixing to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.

4. Assemble and Serve

Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter chicken.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately.

Notes

Protein Variations: Swap chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu.
Pasta Choices: Whole wheat, gluten-free, or vegetable-based pasta work well.
Veggie Additions: Try sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes.
Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk and dairy-free parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, creamy parmesan pasta, easy pasta recipe, one-pan chicken dinner, quick weeknight meal