Description
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that combines rich garlic butter chicken with a creamy, cheesy pasta, this recipe is for you! Juicy, bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter pair perfectly with a silky Parmesan pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality dish made in under 40 minutes!
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Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- Chicken Breast (1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces) – Tender and juicy.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Enhances the flavor.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Adds depth.
- Paprika (1 tsp) – A subtle smoky kick.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – For searing the chicken.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp) – Rich garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – The star of the dish.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped) – For garnish.
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Pasta (12 oz, any type) – Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – For a smooth, rich sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup, grated) – Melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Chicken Broth (½ cup) – Adds flavor and thins out the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Because more garlic is always better.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp) – Helps create a silky sauce.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Adjust as needed.
Instructions
1. Season and Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan, toss to coat in the garlic butter, then remove from heat and keep warm.
3. Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, then slowly add grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Remove it as soon as it’s cooked to keep it juicy.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and gives a richer taste.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian