Of course! This is a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily make at home. The combination of juicy, pan-seared garlic butter chicken and a luxurious, creamy Parmesan pasta is simply irresistible.
Here’s a detailed recipe that will guide you through creating this delicious dish.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
· 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
· 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· 2 tbsp olive oil
· 3 tbsp unsalted butter
· 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
· 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work great)
· 2 tbsp unsalted butter
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
· 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
· ½ tsp Italian seasoning
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This is crucial for thinning the sauce later.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken Bites
- Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl. This helps them brown beautifully.
- Season the chicken evenly with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce & Creamy Pasta
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning (and red pepper flakes, if using). Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the drained pasta and the cooked chicken bites (along with any accumulated juices) back into the skillet with the creamy sauce.
- Toss everything gently until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
· Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. A block of fresh Parmesan cheese grated just before use will melt much more smoothly.
· Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since the chicken is in small cubes, it cooks quickly. Overcooking will make it tough. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
· Use the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and allows you to thin the sauce without making it watery.
· Customize It: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach (wilt it in at the end), sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms along with the garlic.
Enjoy your incredibly creamy and flavorful meal