Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Indulge in a delightful combination of flavors with our Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served alongside creamy parmesan pasta. This dish is the perfect comfort food, making it suitable for cozy weeknight dinners or to impress guests at informal gatherings. The succulent chicken bites, infused with garlic and butter, create a luscious experience that pairs beautifully with rich, cheesy pasta. Your family will love the harmonious blend of textures and flavors, and it’s a dish that everyone can gather around.

To make this meal even more special, it takes just a bit of your time and pantry staples, yet delivers an impressive homemade touch. Whether you’re looking for something to brighten up a chilly evening or simply craving a dish that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Gather your ingredients to create this flavorful dish.

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Add Garlic Butter:
   Add 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the garlic butter, then remove the chicken and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
   In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Bring to a simmer.

5. Combine Cheese and Cream:
   Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, adjusting the consistency with the reserved pasta water as needed.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.

7. Assemble the Dish:
   Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu to accommodate different dietary preferences. If you’re short on heavy cream, a mixture of milk and sour cream can be a lighter alternative.
• Optional Variations: Add vegetables, such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Storage or Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to keep the sauce creamy.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

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