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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta


  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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