Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlicky butter, served over a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta sauce. This American-inspired main dish is perfect for a comforting and satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 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 Parmesan 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) freshly 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in the garlic butter, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth texture in the sauce.
- To make it healthier, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative and use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta.
- Add vegetables like sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to enhance nutrition and flavor.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Parmesan Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Chicken Bites, Easy Dinner, One Pan Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food
