Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of savory spices and creamy sauce, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Bites
- 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)
Creamy Parmesan 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 package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with paprika, salt, black 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 seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic Butter: Add another tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken in garlic butter, then remove the chicken 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 heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creating a smooth sauce. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Dish: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add cayenne pepper.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite compared to breasts.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to adjust the sauce consistency and keep it silky.
- Day-old pasta can be used, but fresh boiling is recommended for best texture.
- Optional nutmeg enhances the creamy sauce with warm, subtle spice notes.
- Leftovers keep well and reheat nicely on stovetop or microwave.
