Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken pieces sautéed to golden perfection and tossed with fettuccine in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with classic Italian seasoning to deliver a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (remaining)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly to ensure flavor throughout.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits that add flavor. Then add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan and Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss well to coat all strands with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta with rotini, penne, or any other favorite type.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of white wine to the sauce during simmering.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
