Description

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served with Creamy Parmesan Pasta make a comforting, restaurant-quality meal right at home. Tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in garlic butter pair perfectly with the rich, creamy pasta for a dish your whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scale

For the garlic butter chicken bites:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the creamy Parmesan pasta:

12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

2️⃣ Season the chicken:
In a bowl, toss chicken bites with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3️⃣ Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4️⃣ Make garlic butter sauce for the chicken:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return the chicken bites to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Keep warm.

5️⃣ Prepare the Parmesan sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.

6️⃣ Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce and toss until well coated.

7️⃣ Serve:
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min