Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is an irresistibly delicious weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Tender, bite-sized chicken pieces are sautéed in garlic butter, then tossed with fettuccine (or linguine) and enveloped in a rich, creamy parmesan sauce. This comforting, family-friendly meal is fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (remaining from total 4 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
To Serve
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince the garlic and cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Grate the parmesan cheese if needed and set all ingredients within easy reach.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining; set pasta aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, then pour in the heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low and add the grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce clings to the noodles and reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Portion the pasta and chicken into bowls. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley (if using) and extra parmesan, and enjoy hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; remove from heat as soon as pieces are cooked through for juicier bites.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- If you like your sauce richer, add another splash of cream or a bit more parmesan.
- This recipe can be doubled to feed a crowd or for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
