Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal! Juicy, garlicky chicken bites are seared in butter and tossed with a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce and tender pasta. This dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Bites:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium, add the butter and minced garlic, and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Stir in the garlic butter chicken bites and mix well.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
- Serve hot and enjoy this rich, garlicky dish!
Notes
- For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-American