Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delicious weeknight meal featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter, served over rich and creamy Parmesan-coated pasta. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, it’s an American classic that’s hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Garlic Butter Chicken: Reduce the heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, deglaze the chicken pan with a splash of white wine before adding garlic.
- You can substitute pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes according to taste for a bit of heat.
