Description
Indulge in this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe! Juicy, golden-brown chicken meets a velvety Parmesan cream sauce for the ultimate comfort meal. Quick, easy, and restaurant-quality!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring to sear.
- Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Lower heat, add remaining butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove chicken from heat and set aside.
- Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously. Simmer gently.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Stir in lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Plate pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Protein swap: Use shrimp, salmon, or tofu.
- Pasta choice: Substitute spaghetti, rigatoni, or zucchini noodles.
- Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicier kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic butter chicken, creamy Parmesan pasta, easy chicken pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner