Description
Looking for a quick and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor? These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are the perfect answer! Tender, juicy chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over a luscious parmesan pasta—this dish is a comfort food dream. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights!
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the chicken bites to the skillet, toss to coat in the garlic butter, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- In another pan (or the same one, wiped clean), melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
✔ Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds the best flavor!
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook chicken in batches for a perfect golden crust.
✔ Adjust Creaminess – Add more heavy cream or pasta water for a silkier sauce.
✔ Want It Spicier? – Increase red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American