Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta recipe combines tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter with a luscious creamy Parmesan pasta. The dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Season the diced chicken pieces evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Cook Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the cooked chicken and garlic butter. Stir to combine and bring the mixture gently to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Continue to cook until the sauce has thickened to your preferred consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce and chicken pieces.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add extra salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta!
Notes
- You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute chicken breasts with skinless chicken thighs.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
