Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken in a luscious garlic butter sauce, served over velvety parmesan pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this family-friendly meal is perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed to adjust sauce consistency)
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 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Season chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce heat, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the remaining butter and chopped parsley. Toss to coat, then set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir until cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Top with garlic butter chicken bites and gently mix.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu.
- Pasta Options: Use spaghetti, linguine, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
- Extra Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic butter chicken, creamy parmesan pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, quick weeknight dinner, garlic butter pasta.