Here’s a delicious recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta—a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for dinner:
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking pasta)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, along with the minced garlic, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the butter has melted. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Add the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Gently fold the garlic butter chicken bites into the pasta, stirring to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- For extra richness: Add a bit of cream cheese to the sauce for an extra creamy texture.
- Vegetable addition: You can sauté spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli and add them to the pasta for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and indulgent flavors!