Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a hearty and flavorful American-inspired main dish featuring tender chicken bites sautéed in garlicky butter and served over a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta sauce. This comforting meal combines simple ingredients with quick cooking techniques to deliver a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Prepare the chicken bites: Season the chicken pieces evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Add garlic butter to chicken: Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken bites in the garlic butter, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to infuse flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the creamy Parmesan sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and optimal texture in the sauce.
