Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick, indulgent meal that combines tender chicken bites in a savory garlic butter sauce with creamy Parmesan-coated pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this dish is loaded with flavor and can be customized to suit any taste preference.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken Bites
- Season the cubed chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir the cooked chicken into the garlic butter sauce and coat evenly. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
- Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water to adjust thickness as needed.
- Combine and Serve
- Toss the pasta in the Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
- Add the chicken bites and garlic butter sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as Parmesan alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic butter chicken bites, Creamy Parmesan pasta, 30-minute comfort food, Easy weeknight dinner, Quick pasta recipe