Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a deliciously rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, served over a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce-coated pasta. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests with a flavorful, easy-to-make Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
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 ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Add 1 tablespoon butter and the minced garlic to the skillet, stir to coat the chicken in the garlic butter, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat the remaining butter and olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta onto plates and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness, or breasts for leaner meat.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your desired spice level.
- If heavy cream is unavailable, substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances flavor over pre-grated options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
