Description
Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender bite-sized chicken cooked in garlic butter with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a comforting, restaurant-quality meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Garlic Butter
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add garlic to chicken: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan and season: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing gently until the pasta is fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Combine chicken with pasta: Return the cooked garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly combined and heated through.
- Serve with garnish: Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with reserved pasta water for an extra creamy texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Feel free to add steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition and color.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need this dish to be gluten free.
