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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

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

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken pieces, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter until melted.
  6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  4. Reduce heat to low and add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
  2. Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
  3. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
  4. 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