Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful, comforting dish featuring tender chicken bites cooked in garlic butter and served atop rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it combines simple ingredients with luxurious flavors for an easy yet impressive dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside for later use.
- Prepare the chicken bites: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly to enhance flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.
- Make garlic butter chicken: Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the garlic butter and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the creamy Parmesan sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the Parmesan cream sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Pasta, Easy Dinner, Chicken Bites, Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food
