Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish featuring tender, flavorful chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, paired with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken bites with paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using, ensuring even coating.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic with Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken in garlic butter, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust the sauce’s consistency by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired thickness is reached.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to ensure it is evenly coated with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender bites, or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavors.
- Chili flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat to the chicken.
- Nutmeg enhances the creamy sauce’s flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Pasta, Easy Dinner, Chicken Bites, Creamy Pasta Sauce, Weeknight Meal
