Description
These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta offer a delicious and comforting meal featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, combined with a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe balances savory flavors with a hint of freshness from parsley and lemon wedges.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-6 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing well to coat evenly.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the pasta and sauce. Let everything heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes over the dish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh, zesty flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Pasta choices such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well, but feel free to use your favorite type.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
