Print

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Print Recipe

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken bites in a silky Parmesan cream sauce served with pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (for the chicken)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (for the sauce)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt (for the sauce)
  • ½ tsp black pepper (for the sauce)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve a half cup of pasta cooking water.
  2. Heat the olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken pieces and season with the paprika, Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the chicken and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet. Add the other 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine, allowing the chicken to heat through and pick up the sauce flavors.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, pasta, garlic butter, creamy, Parmesan, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://easydessertideas.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-creamy-parmesan-pasta-3/