Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter combine beautifully with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with pasta. This recipe is straightforward and delicious, making it a family favorite in no time.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of creamy light yellow spaghetti noodles neatly arranged in circles. On top, there are ten pieces of golden brown grilled shrimp covered with a smooth off-white sauce and sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The shrimp appear juicy and slightly charred, creating a textured contrast against the soft noodles. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently for about 3 minutes.
Step 6: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 7: Return the chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce consistency.
Swap fettuccine for penne or linguine if you prefer a different pasta shape.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies and texture.
For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving to preserve the creamy texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy spaghetti pasta topped with golden-brown seared scallops. The pasta layer is smooth and pale yellow covered in a rich cream sauce, while the scallops are placed evenly on top, browned with a crispy texture and sprinkled with small green herbs and black pepper. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, highlighting the colors and textures of the dish clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a bit more juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may require a few extra minutes to cook through.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute, along with a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese, to make it dairy-free. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.