Description
Juicy garlic butter chicken bites paired with creamy Parmesan pasta make this a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make weeknight dinner. Ready in under 40 minutes, this comforting dish is a family favorite that’s versatile and customizable to your taste!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite!)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Toss chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in garlic butter.
- Make the Parmesan Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, whisking to combine. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
- Combine:
- Toss cooked pasta in the Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
- Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with parsley or additional Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Customization Ideas: Add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
- Substitutions: Chicken thighs can replace breasts, and gluten-free pasta works just as well for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Garlic butter chicken, creamy Parmesan pasta, quick dinner recipe, easy chicken pasta, comfort food, one-pan dinner