Print

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Print Recipe

Warm and comforting, this dish features tender chicken bites in a rich garlic butter sauce served over creamy Parmesan pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for the sauce)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for the sauce)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for the sauce)
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Cook the 12 ounces of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. Season the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 4 to 6 minutes.
  4. Add garlic to the chicken: Push chicken to the side and cook remaining garlic until fragrant, about 20 to 30 seconds.
  5. Start the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic for the sauce. Whisk in flour to form a roux and slowly add milk.
  6. Finish the sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
  7. Combine with pasta: Toss pasta in the sauce, adding seared chicken back in and squeezing lemon juice over the top.
  8. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, pasta, creamy sauce, garlic butter, weeknight dinner, Italian recipe

Find it online: https://easydessertideas.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-parmesan-pasta-2/