Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Here’s a complete and indulgent dish: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. It’s a restaurant-style comfort meal made at home — juicy, golden chicken bites tossed in garlic butter and served over creamy, cheesy pasta.

🍗 Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

📝 Ingredients:

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Optional: chopped parsley or chili flakes for garnish

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or 1/4 tsp nutmeg for added depth

🔪 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

3. Sear until golden and cooked through (about 3–4 minutes per side).

4. Reduce heat slightly, add butter and garlic, and stir until fragrant (1 minute).

5. Toss chicken to coat in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and keep warm.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

1. In the same skillet (wipe out or keep chicken bits for flavor), melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.

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

4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth.

5. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or lemon juice.

4. Assemble & Serve:

• Plate the creamy pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites.

• Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Add a side salad or garlic bread.

• Works great as a meal prep dish — store chicken and pasta separately in the fridge.