Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner recipe made with golden seared chicken, garlic-infused butter, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights, this one-pan recipe is rich, flavorful, and beginner-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Toss the diced chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure each piece is evenly coated for flavorful bites.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should no longer be pink inside and should have a slight crisp on the edges.
- Add Garlic Flavor: Stir in half of the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to release its aroma without burning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Start the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the rest of the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg if using and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, slowly mix in reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine. Top with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron or non-stick pan to sear the chicken evenly. To reduce fat, swap heavy cream for half-and-half. Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Let the cheese melt slowly to avoid clumping or graininess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg