This indulgent pasta dish brings together golden garlic-butter chicken bites and luxuriously creamy Parmesan fettuccine for a meal that feels both comforting and elevated. Rich, savory, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner or an impressive yet easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 1¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Fettuccine
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra silkiness)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- A drizzle of garlic butter from the pan
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil.
Cook the fettuccine until al dente, according to package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Season the chicken pieces evenly with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic, and toss the chicken until fragrant and coated.
Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream.
Add cream cheese (if using) and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and velvety.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta & Chicken
Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
Top with garlic butter chicken bites or gently fold them into the pasta.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Serve hot and finish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of garlic butter from the pan for maximum flavor.
Recipe Details
- 🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 4
- ⚡ Calories per Serving: ~820 kcal
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Fettuccine is rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying—an irresistible combination you’ll want to make again and again.