Here’s a delicious recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta—a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something indulgent and quick to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine work well)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter: Lower the heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and stir in minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Return the chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the garlic butter, and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in Parmesan cheese and garlic powder, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated.
Assemble and Serve:
- Plate the dish: Divide the creamy Parmesan pasta among plates. Top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips:
- To make the dish even more vibrant, add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creamy texture.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.