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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal


  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick and delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken in a rich garlic butter sauce paired with a luscious, cheesy pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 8 oz pasta of choice (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  3. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Lower heat and add butter and minced garlic, stirring to coat the chicken.
  5. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant, then remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add butter and heavy cream, stirring well.
  2. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring to create a smooth sauce.
  3. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water or chicken broth to loosen it.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. Return chicken bites to the skillet and mix everything together.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding red pepper flakes for heat or lemon juice for brightness.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • Protein Swap: Try shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a variation.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
  • Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor.
  • Cheese Twist: Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Garlic butter chicken, creamy Parmesan pasta, easy chicken dinner, weeknight pasta, garlic Parmesan sauce