Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken bites are sautéed in garlic butter and combined with a rich, creamy parmesan sauce tossed with al dente pasta. The dish offers a perfect balance of savory flavors with creamy indulgence, making it a comforting yet elegant dinner option.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients. Mince the garlic cloves and cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking.
- Cook the chicken. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Sauté garlic and season. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté for an additional minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
- Make the creamy parmesan sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then add the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook the pasta. Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine or linguine in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Garnish and serve. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add color and a fresh flavor.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce thickness and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Freshly grated parmesan is best for melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
