Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served over creamy Parmesan pasta offer a rich, comforting meal with tender chicken morsels infused with garlic and herbs, paired perfectly with a luscious, cheesy fettuccine. This dish is ideal for a satisfying dinner that combines flavorful protein with a decadent sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, adds depth of flavor)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: In a bowl, season the chicken bites with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium, then add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Red pepper flakes are optional for mild heat; omit if preferred.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Nutmeg in the sauce adds subtle warmth, but it can be skipped if not available.
- This dish is not low-calorie due to butter and heavy cream but is protein-rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Parmesan Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Chicken Bites, Easy Dinner, One Pan Meal
