Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Here’s a crave-worthy, quick, and creamy dinner recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. You get juicy, golden chicken bites bathed in garlic butter, paired with silky, cheesy pasta — all in under 40 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or date nights at home!

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🧄 Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

🍽️ Serves: 4

⏱️ Ready in: ~35–40 minutes

🥘 Skill level: Easy

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🧂 Ingredients:

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine work well)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or a pinch of nutmeg for depth

• Reserved pasta water, as needed

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

🔹 Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

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🔹 Step 2: Make the Chicken Bites

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 4–5 minutes, turning to brown all sides.

4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan.

5. Toss the chicken in the garlic butter until cooked through and fragrant (~1–2 minutes).

6. Remove from heat and set aside, keeping warm.

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🔹 Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

1. In a separate skillet (or same pan, wiped clean), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

2. Add 2 cloves garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.

4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or nutmeg.

6. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water, a little at a time.

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🔹 Step 4: Assemble & Serve

• Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta, then top with warm garlic butter chicken bites.

• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

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🍽️ Tips & Variations:

• Add spinach or cherry tomatoes to the pasta for a veggie boost.

• Want more flavor? Splash a bit of white wine into the pasta sauce before adding cream.

• Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon bites if preferred.

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Let me know if you’d like a one-pot version, or how to make it ahead for meal prep!