Print

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A cozy, restaurant-quality chicken and pasta dish featuring tender chicken bites seared in garlic butter, served over creamy Parmesan pasta.

  • Author: daniel-kim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing and Sauce Preparation
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for the sauce)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for the sauce)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for the sauce)
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and tossing with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil and butter until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  4. Add garlic to the chicken, cooking until fragrant, then stir in lemon juice and parsley. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  5. Start the sauce by melting butter in the same skillet, adding minced garlic and cooking it for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour to form a roux.
  6. Build the cream sauce by slowly pouring in the milk and adding heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and whisk until slightly thickened.
  7. Finish the sauce by stirring in Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water as necessary.
  8. Combine the drained pasta with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  9. Add the chicken back into the skillet, mixing gently to warm through. Serve garnished with additional parsley.

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed. Can freeze chicken bites separately for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daytasty.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-creamy-parmesan-pasta-3/