Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This comforting dish combines tender chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter with a creamy Parmesan sauce over warm pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknights and date nights at home.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Boneless skinless thighs are recommended for richer flavor.
- 3 tablespoons butter For sautéing chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Can substitute with fresh basil.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
For the pasta and sauce
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice) Gluten-free pasta works fine; follow package timings.
- 1 tablespoon butter For sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream Substitute with half-and-half if on hand for a thinner sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated recommended for best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For final garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Cooking Pasta
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Searing Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken to a plate.
- Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if needed to get good browning.
Making Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan and garlic powder until sauce is glossy and smooth.
- If too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
Combining
- Return chicken to the pan with the sauce. Add drained pasta and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Finishing
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For creaminess, make the sauce ahead of time and reheat gently. Adding a splash of cream helps if it tightens.