Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy, golden chicken bites cooked in garlic butter are served over a bed of rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. This indulgent, one-pan dinner is quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a must-try recipe for garlic and cheese lovers alike.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

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

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of butter and cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add another tbsp of butter and minced garlic. Stir to coat and cook for 1 more minute. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, heat olive oil and the remaining 1 tbsp butter. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Toss the Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir to coat, adjusting with pasta water if needed.
Assemble: Serve pasta topped with garlic butter chicken. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.
Gluten-free pasta works well if needed.
Swap in shrimp or grilled chicken for a different protein.

Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 20min
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéed / One-Pan
Cuisine: American