Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Golden, tender chicken bites cooked in rich garlic butter, paired with creamy parmesan pasta, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine your choice of pasta shape
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the Cream and Parmesan: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: While preparing the chicken and sauce, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier result.
Customize the dish with sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for added flavor.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.