Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter with a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, grate the Parmesan cheese, and chop fresh parsley if using. Having everything ready makes the cooking flow smoothly.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Add the Garlic: Stir the minced garlic into the skillet with the chicken. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter followed by the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine and then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring frequently until the cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce. Toss everything together, gradually adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce evenly coats the pasta and reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and ensure it clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
