Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine: ,
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

Savory garlic butter chicken bites paired with creamy, cheesy parmesan pasta—this quick and easy dinner recipe is perfect for weeknights. Bursting with flavor and made with simple ingredients, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.

Ingredients
    For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
  • 500 g 500 chicken breast, boneless & skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    • For the Parmesan Pasta:
  • 250 g pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
  • 0.25 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
    Season and Sear the Chicken
  1. 1
    In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken cubes with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cubes in a single layer. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
    2. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce
  2. 2
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce, and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover to keep warm.
    3. Cook the Pasta
  3. 3
    Boil water in a large pot. Add salt and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
    4. Make the Parmesan Sauce
  4. 4
    In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens (3–4 minutes). If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
    5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
  5. 5
    Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Simmer together for 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
    6. Serve
  6. 6
    Plate the parmesan pasta and top generously with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or milk.

Variations:

  • Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
  • Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for extra flavor and texture.
  • For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.

Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.

Keywords: quick dinner, easy chicken pasta, garlic butter chicken, parmesan pasta, family meal
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-with-parmesan-pasta-recipe/