Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe combines succulent bite-sized chicken cooked in garlic butter with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly al dente fettuccine or linguine. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying and comforting meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Garlic Butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- Reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, grate the Parmesan cheese, and chop fresh parsley if using. Having all ingredients ready makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the Garlic: Stir the minced garlic into the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine all ingredients. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding the reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and reaches desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste the pasta for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Using fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor in this dish.
- Reserve pasta water is important to achieve the perfect sauce consistency; add gradually to avoid thinning the sauce too much.
- Chicken can be substituted with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
