Buttery Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Fragrant, Rich, and Savory Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta Recipe – This Chicken and Pasta Recipe is a Stunning, Flavorful and Comforting Dish!
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish. The chicken bites are cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce that makes each piece fragrant, moist and juicy. The chicken bites are arranged on a bed of pasta smothered in a creamy parmesan sauce; making each bite indulgent and completely irresistible.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
For the Chicken:
1 pound chicken bites (chicken breast)
3 tablespoons butter (divided)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped) (optional)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 ounces pasta (penne, linguine, or your preferred shape)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
How to make this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe?
First cook the pasta until al dente (check package instructions for exact time). Keep ½ cup of pasta water before draining your pasta.
Second step is preparing the chicken. Coat the chicken bites with a mixture of paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Heat up 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan set over medium heat. Cook your chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it cooks and turns brown. Add in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and butter and mix to cover the chicken pieces with garlic butter. Remove from pan and put aside.
Third step is making the creamy Parmesan sauce. Set the same pan over medium heat, add in 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil until heated. Pour in the heavy cream and add the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if you choose to use it). Heat your pan to a gentle boil.
Finally, combine the pasta and sauce, then assemble your dish. Start by tossing the cooked pasta in the sauce and mix until well coated. Serve the creamy pasta on a plate garnished with parsley and shredded cheese if desired, then top with the juicy chicken bites. Enjoy your Creamy Parmesan Pasta!
Helpful Tips and Variations:
Which type of pasta should I use? You can work with any pasta shape you prefer. I like to use linguine or tagliatelle for this recipe, but you can also use rigatoni, bowtie, or penne.
How Can I replace the chicken bites? If you’re fond of seafood, replace the chicken bites with shrimp and cook them just the way you would cook the chicken.
What can I add to this Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe? You can add any sautéed or grilled veggies you like. I personally prefer to add roasted red peppers, sun dried tomatoes, or grilled zucchini.
How can I store any leftovers? Place your leftovers in an airtight container and put it in the fridge (up to 4 days).
Can I make this recipe in advance? Of course! Place the cooked chicken and creamy pasta in different airtight containers and keep in the fridge (3 to 4 days).
How can I serve this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta?
Serve a generous spoonful of creamy parmesan pasta on individual plates, then top with juicy garlic butter chicken bites, then garnish to your liking (shredded cheese, herbs, red pepper flakes). Similar to most pasta dishes, I prefer to pair this Garlic Butter Chicken and Creamy Pasta dish with garlic bread, a green salad or a side of roasted or grilled veggies. It’s also possible to pair with well-seasoned roasted potatoes, green beans, zucchini Parmesan fries, grilled corn on the cob, sweet potato fries or a light soup.
Serve this creamy goodness for a casual and cozy family dinner, or holiday gathering. You can also serve for any type of special gatherings, paired with light white wine served elegantly or a non-alcoholic drink like mojito or sparkling water.
Buttery Garlic Chicken Bites and Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken bites chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- 8 ounces pasta penne, linguine, or your preferred shape
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
Instructions
- First cook the pasta until al dente (check package instructions for exact time). Keep ½ cup of pasta water before draining your pasta.
- Second step is preparing the chicken. Coat the chicken bites with a mixture of paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Heat up 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan set over medium heat. Cook your chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it cooks and turns brown. Add in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and butter and mix to cover the chicken pieces with garlic butter. Remove from pan and put aside.
- Third step is making the creamy Parmesan sauce. Set the same pan over medium heat, add in 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil until heated. Pour in the heavy cream and add the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if you choose to use it). Heat your pan to a gentle boil.
- Finally, combine the pasta and sauce, then assemble your dish. Start by tossing the cooked pasta in the sauce and mix until well coated. Serve the creamy pasta on a plate garnished with parsley and shredded cheese if desired, then top with the juicy chicken bites. Enjoy!
