Print

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Print Recipe

A comforting and flavorful weeknight meal blending tender chicken with a rich Parmesan cream sauce over pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt, divided
  • ½ tsp black pepper, divided
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken Bites: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Season and Sear the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, half of the salt, and half of the black pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Add Garlic and Optional Heat: Add half of the minced garlic and the red pepper flakes, if using, to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Simmer the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  7. Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth sauce. Season with remaining salt and black pepper.
  8. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing in the sauce until evenly coated.
  9. Return Chicken to Skillet: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and stir to combine. Heat just until everything is warmed through.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, garlic butter chicken

Find it online: https://swifttasty.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-creamy-parmesan-pasta-4/