Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Chicken Bites: 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta: 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water); 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful & Savory: The garlic butter chicken combined with the creamy parmesan pasta creates a perfectly balanced, rich dish.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner.
Comforting & Filling: With tender chicken and creamy pasta, this dish is perfect for satisfying hunger and cravings.
One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup with everything coming together in one pan.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Bites:

1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water if you want to use it in the sauce later.

2. Cook the Chicken Bites

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and chicken broth (or pasta water) to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.

4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken and pasta are well-coated with the creamy garlic sauce. Gradually stir in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.

5. Serve

Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs would work well and add more juiciness to the dish, though the cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the chicken and pasta separately and store them in the fridge. Reheat with a little extra cream or broth before combining.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! If you don’t have parmesan, you can use other cheeses like pecorino Romano or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With the combination of juicy chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and creamy pasta, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious—this is comfort food at its best!