Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner! Juicy, golden-brown chicken bites tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over a creamy Parmesan pasta that’s packed with flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious and comforting fast!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce. Set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Reduce the heat to low and add 2 tablespoons butter and garlic to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Pasta: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until fully coated. Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet and gently mix everything together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken! It should be golden brown and juicy—remove it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
- Use fresh Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
- Adjust the sauce consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or more pasta water.
- Make it spicy. Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Keywords: garlic butter chicken bites, creamy Parmesan pasta, easy weeknight dinner, chicken pasta recipe