Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish is a comforting and mouthwatering meal that brings together tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with creamy Parmesan-infused noodles. It’s a dish that not only fills the belly but also warms the heart, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or a cozy date night in.

What truly makes this recipe special is its simplicity and rich flavor profile. The garlic, butter, and Parmesan marry beautifully, creating a dish that is as satisfying to eat as it is to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find joy in every step of making this hearty meal that’s sure to impress your loved ones.

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 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)

Preparing the ingredients is the first step to creating your delicious meal.

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).

3. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.

4. Add Garlic: Lower the heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in garlic butter. Once fragrant, remove the chicken and set it aside.

5. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If it’s too thick, adjust the consistency using the reserved pasta water.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until it’s evenly coated.

8. Assemble the Dish: Plate the pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: You could use chicken thighs for a juicier bite or substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Optional Variations: Add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. For a spicy kick, include more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Storage and Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

650kcal

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Prep 15 minutes mins

Cook 20 minutes mins

Total 35 minutes mins

Indulge in the delightful flavors of garlic butter chicken bites paired with creamy Parmesan-infused pasta, ideal for weeknight dinners or date nights.

Servings 4 servings

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Ingredients

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For the garlic butter 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) for added heat
• ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the 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)

Method

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Cooking the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Preparing and Cooking the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Lower the heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in garlic butter. Once fragrant, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If it’s too thick, adjust the consistency using the reserved pasta water.

Final Assembly

1. Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until it’s evenly coated.
2. Plate the pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories650kcalCarbohydrates50gProtein30gFat40gSaturated Fat25gSodium800mgFiber2gSugar3g

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions: You could use chicken thighs for a juicier bite or substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Optional Variations: Add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. For a spicy kick, include more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Storage and Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

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