Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and delicious weeknight meal featuring tender chicken morsels sautéed in garlic butter, combined with a rich and creamy parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a comforting dish that balances savory, buttery flavors with a smooth cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Garlic Butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely and cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, season with salt and pepper to taste, and sauté for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, infusing the chicken with flavor.
- Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Gradually add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until a smooth and creamy sauce forms.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a small amount of the pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and creamy parmesan sauce. Toss everything together well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
- Use low-fat cream or milk to reduce calories, though it will alter the richness slightly.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for the best flavor and smooth sauce consistency.
- Adding reserved pasta water helps to adjust the sauce thickness and helps it cling better to the pasta.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice bright color and subtle flavor; optional but recommended.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
