Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta – a rich, flavorful, and easy 30-minute meal! Tender chicken in a garlicky butter sauce paired with creamy Parmesan pasta makes the perfect weeknight dinner. Try this delicious one-pan recipe today!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
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 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, seasoning with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce heat, add butter and minced garlic, and stir to coat the chicken.
- Cook for another minute until fragrant, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well.
- Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, coating evenly.
- Add the garlic butter chicken bites back to the skillet and mix gently.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Customization: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients.
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu.
- Spicy Option: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian inspired
Keywords: Garlic butter chicken, creamy Parmesan pasta, one-pan meal, easy dinner, weeknight recipe