Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe features tender chicken bites cooked in garlic butter and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, paired perfectly with a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that blends American and Italian-inspired flavors, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to evenly coat the chicken for flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic and Cheese to Chicken: Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish Chicken: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cheesy garlic butter chicken bites for freshness and color.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the cream cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings to Sauce: Stir grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the cream mixture. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the cheesy garlic butter chicken bites. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor and nutrition, add sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach to the pasta sauce during step 6.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and the smoothest, creamiest sauce texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
