The Restaurant-Worthy Meal That Comes Together in One Pan
Imagine this: tender, juicy chunks of chicken, seared to golden perfection in a sizzling garlic butter sauce, served over a bed of luxuriously creamy parmesan pasta. Each bite is a symphony of savory, buttery, and cheesy flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
This isn't just another chicken and pasta recipe—this is THE chicken and pasta recipe that will become your new weekly rotation star. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something decadent but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Why This Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
SPEED DEMON: Ready in 30 minutes flat
RESTAURANT-QUALITY FLAVOR: Taste like you spent hours, but with minimal effort
ONE-PAN MAGIC: Cook the chicken and sauce in the same skillet
CROWD-PLEASING: Kids and adults alike will devour this
Gather Your Simple, Star-Studded Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste
Let's Create Magic! Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package directions in well-salted water
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining
Set aside
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
Pat chicken cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
Add chicken in single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat
Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant
Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat in garlic butter
Sprinkle with fresh parsley
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In same skillet, pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up browned bits
Add heavy cream and cream cheese (if using), whisk until smooth
Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened
Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan until melted
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat
If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time
Top with garlic butter chicken bites
Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley
Chef's Tips for Perfection
DON'T OVERCOOK CHICKEN: Cook just until golden - it will finish in the sauce
FRESH PARMESAN IS KEY: Pre-grated won't melt as smoothly
RESERVE PASTA WATER: The starchy water helps create the perfect sauce consistency
DON'T BURN THE GARLIC: Cook just until fragrant - burned garlic turns bitter
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Perfect Pairings:
🥗 With a crisp Caesar salad
🥖 With garlic bread for dipping
🥦 With roasted broccoli or asparagus
Delicious Variations:
Add spinach - stir in 2 cups fresh spinach at the end
Make it spicy - add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter
Mushroom lovers - sauté sliced mushrooms before making sauce
Bacon boost - top with crumbled cooked bacon
Storage & Reheating
REFRIGERATOR: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
FREEZER: Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months
REHEATING: Warm in skillet with splash of cream or broth
There you have it—the ultimate garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta that's sure to become a new family favorite! The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken with the rich, cheesy pasta is pure comfort food perfection that feels fancy enough for company but easy enough for any busy weeknight.
Happy cooking! 🍗🧀✨
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