Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a mouthwatering meal that’s packed with flavor! Juicy, tender chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over a creamy, cheesy pasta—what’s not to love? It’s an easy, restaurant-quality dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes!
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Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Stir well, coating the chicken in the buttery garlic goodness. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the pan and mix everything together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother sauce—it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—it should be juicy and tender.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Want it lighter? Substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American