This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender chicken bites cooked in garlic butter sauce are paired with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta that’s bursting with flavor. This easy, one-pan meal comes together quickly, making it an excellent option for a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Season the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic and Butter
- Lower the heat to medium, add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder, and continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve
- Add the Chicken Bites
- Add the garlic butter chicken bites back into the skillet with the creamy pasta. Gently toss to combine everything.
- Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
Cook Notes & Tips
- Pasta Choice: You can use any type of pasta you prefer. Fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti all work well with this dish.
- Heavy Cream Substitute: If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce may be less thick.
- Cooking the Chicken: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken bites to ensure they brown properly.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a bit of heat.
- Vegetable Additions: Stir in some steamed broccoli or spinach to add a touch of greens and extra nutrition.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce for an extra cheesy pasta dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and will add extra juiciness to the dish.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken bites and sauce ahead of time. Reheat everything in a skillet and add the cooked pasta just before serving.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? A: You can use milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. To help thicken it, consider adding a slurry made of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender, garlicky chicken with rich, creamy pasta. It’s the perfect meal for any night of the week—easy to make, loaded with flavor, and always a hit with the family. Give it a try, and enjoy the irresistible combination of creamy Parmesan goodness and savory garlic butter chicken in every bite!
