Description
Savor the rich flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired with creamy Parmesan pasta in this comforting and easy-to-make dish. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned and seared to golden perfection in garlic butter, then layered atop fettuccine coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, creating a perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred shape)
- 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 aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce heat to medium, then add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley; set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce: 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, then simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, mixing until the cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Red pepper flakes add a nice heat but are optional.
- Nutmeg enhances the cream sauce without overpowering; omit if preferred.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting texture.
- Chicken breasts can be replaced with thighs for juicier bites, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food
