Craving a meal that’s both indulgent and quick to prepare? These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta will hit the spot! Juicy, tender chicken pieces are seared to perfection and smothered in a garlic butter sauce, then served alongside a velvety, cheesy pasta. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like restaurant-quality food. With bold garlic flavors, savory chicken, and creamy pasta, this meal is bound to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite kind)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add garlic and butter: Lower the heat to medium, push the chicken to one side of the skillet, and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir the garlic butter into the chicken bites, coating them well.
- Finish the chicken: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the chicken bites with fresh parsley, and set them aside while you prepare the pasta.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet you used for the chicken (wipe it out if needed), melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat it thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water as needed.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and more grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Cut the chicken evenly: To ensure even cooking, make sure all your chicken pieces are cut to roughly the same size.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt much better than pre-grated and will give your sauce a smoother texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid drying them out.
- Pasta water is magic: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! It helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta better.
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a perfect comfort food dish that’s rich in flavor yet simple to make. The tender, seasoned chicken bites smothered in garlicky butter paired with the creamy and cheesy pasta create a dish that is utterly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting guests, this recipe is sure to impress! Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home with this irresistible recipe!
