Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is a delicious and comforting American main course featuring tender, seasoned chicken cooked in garlic butter and served atop pasta swirled in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy stovetop recipe combines flavorful chicken bites with a luscious cream sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any day.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the creamy pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 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.
- Season the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to infuse flavor.
- Cook the chicken bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare garlic butter for chicken: Reduce the skillet heat to medium, add unsalted butter, and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, toss it well in the garlic butter, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using. Keep warm while preparing the sauce.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a separate saucepan or the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute to release its aroma. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly with the rich sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce without sacrificing too much richness.
- For added depth of flavor, deglaze the chicken skillet with a splash of white wine before starting the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
