This one-pan dish features tender garlic butter chicken bites paired with rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s an irresistible combination that’s quick and easy enough for weeknights yet elegant for special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 oz pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Bites:
Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet (wipe clean if necessary), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
Assemble and Serve:
Combine Chicken and Pasta
Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta on plates or in bowls. Top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for Success
Ensure Crispy Chicken: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a better sear.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
Adjust Creaminess: Add more pasta water or cream to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added nutrition.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. It’s comforting, flavorful, and sure to be a family favorite!
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water optional, for thinning
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Return the chicken bites to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet (wipe clean if necessary), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.