Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken bites cooked in flavorful garlic butter, paired with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it combines simple ingredients with creamy sauce and a touch of spice for savory satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic Butter: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken with the garlic butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust the sauce consistency by adding some of the reserved pasta water as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until it is evenly coated and well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add freshly ground black pepper.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite, or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps thin the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a fresh herbal note and bright presentation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
