Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make main course featuring tender, seasoned chicken cooked in garlic butter and tossed with a creamy Parmesan pasta sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines savory chicken bites, rich cream sauce, and pasta cooked to al dente, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
Sauce and Pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (remaining for sauce)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken bites with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat everything through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra vegetables.
- This recipe works well with shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American