Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delicious, comforting meal featuring tender chicken bites sautéed in a garlic butter sauce, served over a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 300 g pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add garlic and butter: Lower the heat to medium-low, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the same skillet with the garlic butter. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once bubbling slightly, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Combine chicken and serve: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet with the pasta and sauce, gently mixing them together to combine evenly. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use your preferred pasta shape, penne or fettuccine work best for this recipe.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad.
