Description
This garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta is a quick, flavorful one-pan dinner that’s perfect for beginners. Juicy chicken is seared in garlic butter and served over rich, cheesy pasta for a comforting meal that’s easy to customize.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Toss to coat evenly.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Reduce the heat, add 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic. Stir to coat chicken in garlic butter. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Pour in the cream, then add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Simmer gently.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is creamy. Add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Plate the pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Substitute shrimp or tofu for chicken if desired.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for variety.
- Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cream to adjust for dietary needs.
- Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk.
- Avoid microwaving to maintain the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg