Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Juicy garlic butter chicken bites served over rich, creamy Parmesan pasta—this easy yet elegant meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Tongs or Spatula
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Season chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. Return chicken to the pan and toss in garlic butter. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 4: In a clean skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, then simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season to taste.
- Step 5: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Step 6: Plate pasta, top with garlic butter chicken bites, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make it lighter by swapping heavy cream with half-and-half. Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.