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A plate of garlic butter chicken bites served with creamy Parmesan pasta, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, set on a rustic wooden table.
Catherine

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick, indulgent meal that combines tender chicken bites in a savory garlic butter sauce with creamy Parmesan-coated pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this dish is loaded with flavor and can be customized to suit any taste preference.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Bites:
  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs cubed
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Parmesan Pasta:
  • 8 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or your choice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  4. Cook the Chicken Bites
  5. Season the cubed chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Heat 2 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  7. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
  8. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  9. Stir the cooked chicken into the garlic butter sauce and coat evenly. Remove from heat.
  10. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
  11. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
  12. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
  13. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water to adjust thickness as needed.
  14. Combine and Serve
  15. Toss the pasta in the Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
  16. Add the chicken bites and garlic butter sauce. Stir gently to combine.
  17. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
  • Use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as Parmesan alternatives.