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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful and comforting meal featuring tender chicken pieces bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with creamy parmesan-coated pasta. It’s a quick and easy dish that combines savory flavors with a luscious sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 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 & 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

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside to use later in the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. This seasoning will give the chicken a flavorful base.
  3. Cook the Chicken: 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 the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Add Garlic Butter to Chicken: Add 1 more tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the garlic butter. Once fragrant, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  5. 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.
  6. Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired texture is reached.
  7. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every strand or piece with the creamy sauce.
  8. Assemble the Dish: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a fresh, colorful garnish if desired.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful bite over chicken breast.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully—it’s crucial for adjusting the sauce consistency without thinning out flavor.
  • Chili flakes are optional but add a subtle heat that balances the richness of the sauce.
  • For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • The garlic butter can be made vegetarian by substituting butter with olive oil and skipping chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: garlic butter chicken bites, creamy parmesan pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian chicken pasta

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Find it online: https://everydaytastes.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-with-creamy-parmesan-pasta-recipe/