Absolutely! Here’s a full, detailed recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta—rich, comforting, and perfect for a weeknight or special dinner.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 1 minced garlic clove
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining (helps adjust sauce consistency).
- Drain pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken bites with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter. Remove from heat.
4. Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- In a separate pan or the same skillet if big enough, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic (powder or minced) and cook 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
5. Combine Chicken and Pasta
- Add garlic butter chicken bites to the creamy pasta.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Success
- Chicken bites: Make sure the pan is hot before adding chicken to get a nice sear.
- Cream sauce: Don’t boil the cream; simmer gently to prevent curdling.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best; pre-grated can sometimes clump.
- Optional extras: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the pasta for more flavor and veggies.
This dish comes together in about 30–35 minutes and makes a rich, garlicky, comforting meal.
I can also give you a one-pan version that skips dirtying multiple pans—perfect if you want minimal cleanup. Do you want me to give that version too?
