Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe combines tender, flavorful chicken bites cooked in garlic butter with a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for an easy yet indulgent weeknight dinner, this dish offers a rich blend of garlic, butter, and cheese with a subtle hint of spice and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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)

For the Pasta and 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

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. This seasoning adds depth and a gentle heat to the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Add Garlic Butter: Add another tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken in the garlic butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of 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.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding some of the reserved pasta water.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every piece of pasta evenly with the sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add freshly ground black pepper.
You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier bites.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling better to the pasta.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts best for this sauce compared to pre-grated varieties.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta, Chicken
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 620 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 38 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Parmesan Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe, Chicken Bites