Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: An Irresistible Weeknight Meal
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal! This dish pairs tender, flavorful chicken bites with a rich and creamy Parmesan pasta, all made in under 30 minutes. The chicken is seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, then served alongside buttery, garlicky pasta with a luscious Parmesan sauce. It’s a simple yet impressive meal, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Did you know? Garlic has been celebrated for centuries as a powerful ingredient in cooking and even in traditional medicine for its health benefits!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite type)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Prepare the Chicken Bites
- In a medium bowl, season the chicken pieces with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add 1 tbsp butter and 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is fully coated. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Add the garlic butter chicken bites back to the skillet and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.
Variation
For added flavor, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce for a hint of spice, or stir in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to add color and a touch of sweetness.
Cooking Note
To ensure the sauce stays creamy, keep the heat low after adding the Parmesan, and stir continuously to avoid clumping or burning.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Add garlic bread on the side for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips
- Fresh Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and a creamier sauce. Pre-grated cheeses may not melt as smoothly.
- Seasoning the Chicken: You can marinate the chicken in the spices and olive oil for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavors.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Total Fat: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe and add extra juiciness to the dish.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze it, cream-based sauces may separate upon thawing. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages. With juicy chicken bites and a rich, creamy sauce coating each pasta strand, it’s an indulgent but simple recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.