Here’s a comforting and indulgent recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta—perfect for a cozy dinner!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken Bites
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken to skillet in a single layer; cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
During the last 2 minutes, add garlic and remaining 2 tbsp butter, tossing to coat.
Transfer chicken bites to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Prepare Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in chicken broth and cream; bring to a gentle simmer.
Lower heat, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes).
Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until creamy.
5. Serve
Divide creamy pasta among plates.
Top with garlic butter chicken bites.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Tips & Variations
Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the pasta for extra flavor.
For extra richness, stir in 2 tbsp cream cheese into the sauce.
Would you like me to also create a one-pan version (where pasta cooks directly in the sauce with the chicken) to make cleanup easier?
Enjoy.