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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served with creamy Parmesan Fettuccine.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Fettuccine

A quick, comforting dish featuring tender garlic butter chicken bites served over creamy Parmesan fettuccine, perfect for family dinners or date nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Bites
  • 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp butter Use unsalted butter for better salt control
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt & black pepper
For the Creamy Parmesan Fettuccine
  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter Use unsalted butter for better salt control.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated melts silkier than pre-shredded.
  • 2 oz cream cheese (optional) For extra silkiness.
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
  • A drizzle of garlic butter from the pan (for garnish)

Method
 

Cook the Fettuccine
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the fettuccine.
  2. Cook until al dente, usually 9–11 minutes, then reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set the pasta aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
  1. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken.
  3. Sear the pieces for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  4. Reduce heat, add 3 tbsp butter and 4 minced garlic cloves, then toss the chicken until glossy and fragrant.
  5. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and stir to combine.
  3. If desired, add 2 oz cream cheese and whisk until smooth, then stir in Parmesan until thick and glossy.
  4. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
Combine Pasta & Chicken
  1. Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce and toss to coat.
  2. If the sauce is thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency.
  3. Either pile the garlic butter chicken bites on top or fold them into the pasta.
Serve & Garnish
  1. Plate hot, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and grate extra Parmesan on top.
  2. Drizzle a little of the leftover garlic butter from the pan for shine and aroma.
  3. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a bright note, add a squeeze of lemon or red pepper flakes. Stir in spinach at the end for color and freshness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.