Savor a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor—Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This recipe brings together tender, golden-brown chicken bites, marinated in garlic butter, paired with a rich and velvety Parmesan pasta. A quick and easy recipe, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. The combination of the savory chicken and creamy pasta will have everyone coming back for seconds, making it a new family favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is well-coated in the garlic butter. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring, ensuring it’s fully melted and incorporated into a smooth sauce.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like, add the chopped spinach at this stage for a pop of color and added nutrients.
- Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet, stirring everything together to coat the chicken and pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the dish to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top and a side of crusty garlic bread for an irresistible meal.