Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, combined with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with al dente fettuccine. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or impressive meal for guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce and Pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Bites: While the pasta is cooking, season the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure flavorful bites.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken bites and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Make Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes to slightly thicken and meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Cheese: Gradually whisk the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired to taste.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well-coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring every bite is luscious and flavorful.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Monitor chicken cooking time closely to prevent overcooking and dryness.
- Customize with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added aroma and taste.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood variation, or use grilled vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore sauce consistency.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Pasta, Easy Dinner, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meal
