Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce are paired with silky parmesan-coated pasta for a satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while the pasta cooks.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken bites and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese flavor.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick.
• If you prefer a little heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with any pasta you like, such as penne, linguine, or spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta package instructions.

How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken bites should be golden brown and cooked through with no pink inside. Cooking for 5-7 minutes over medium heat usually ensures this, but you can also check with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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5 from 72 reviews

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe combines tender, golden-brown chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter with a rich and luscious creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for a family dinner or a special weeknight meal.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta & Cream Sauce

• 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Chicken Bites: While the pasta is cooking, season the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken bites and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
5. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
6. Incorporate Cheese: Gradually whisk the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well-coated in the creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smoother sauce.
• Red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture of the sauce.
• Feel free to substitute fettuccine with any pasta shape you prefer.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick and rich.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Parmesan Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe, Quick Chicken Dinner