Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with creamy Parmesan-coated pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a comforting and delicious meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken Bites: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with paprika, onion powder, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. Add the nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Return the chicken bites to the skillet and mix until combined.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti work best for coating.
- For a spicier dish, increase the chili flakes to taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
