Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and easy dish featuring tender chicken in a garlic butter glaze paired with a rich, cheesy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Pasta Options: Try penne, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta.
- Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less butter.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic butter chicken, creamy Parmesan pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, chicken pasta recipe