Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a garlic butter sauce, served atop a rich and creamy parmesan pasta. It’s perfect for a quick yet indulgent weeknight meal that combines savory spices with a luscious, cheesy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ 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 ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: In a bowl, season the chicken bites with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium and add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and set aside.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen.
Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Red pepper flakes add a mild heat but can be omitted if preferred.
Nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warmth to the sauce.
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and a smooth sauce texture.
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less creamy.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, Creamy Parmesan Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Italian American Recipe