Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe features tender, flavorful chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, served over a rich and velvety Parmesan cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, combining the lusciousness of creamy pasta with the bold taste of garlic butter chicken.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

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)

For the Pasta and Sauce

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 in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. This adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor to the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Add Garlic Butter: Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces in the fragrant garlic butter. Once coated, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Melt the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat it evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Assemble the Dish: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired to add a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For best results, use fresh Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference or omit entirely for a milder dish.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a slightly thinner texture.
Reserve pasta water is essential to adjust sauce consistency without watering down flavor.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, creamy parmesan pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy dinner, garlic chicken bites, creamy pasta sauce