Description
This Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cooked in garlic butter, combined with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with your choice of pasta. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it balances rich creaminess with aromatic garlic and Italian herbs, finished with a fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Garlic Butter
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Make the garlic butter chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add garlic to chicken: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare creamy Parmesan sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until aromatic.
- Simmer cream and broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan and season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to thoroughly coat the pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water to adjust consistency to your liking.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together until fully incorporated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the creamy Parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites immediately while hot.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta to loosen the sauce if needed.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture and taste.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly but avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
- This recipe pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.
