Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick, indulgent dish featuring tender chicken in a garlicky butter sauce paired with rich, cheesy pasta. It’s ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights. The simple ingredients and bold flavors make it a family favorite.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium pot
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces pasta penne, fettuccine, or your favorite
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup pasta water reserved
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions—about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. It should be golden and cooked through—check that it hits 165°F inside.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Butter
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth sauce—about 2-3 minutes. Keep the heat medium-low to avoid curdling.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, then mix in the chicken bites. Let it heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet. The aroma will have everyone ready to eat.