Description
This Delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Pasta recipe features juicy, seared chicken bites tossed with a rich garlic butter sauce and tender pasta, making it a quick, satisfying meal for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
- In a bowl, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tbsp butter. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in garlic butter sauce. Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan and lemon juice if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
- Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- For a creamy version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream before adding pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg