Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces sautéed in rich garlic butter with a luscious, creamy pasta. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners.

Let’s get cooking, you will need:

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

  • 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites

  1. Season the chicken pieces with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and garnish with fresh parsley. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

  • Chicken Cooking Tip: Ensure that your chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Pasta Cooking Tip: Do not overcook your pasta; it should be al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
  • Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, adding reserved pasta water gradually will help achieve a creamy texture without diluting flavor.

Variations

You can customize this dish in several ways:

  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes into the pasta for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is an easy yet indulgent meal that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household! Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner that everyone will love!