Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Spaghetti recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken pieces sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It’s a quick and satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights, blending rich buttery garlic flavors with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and a fresh squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or pasta water
Pasta & Garnishes
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the cooked spaghetti aside.
- Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth or reserved pasta water to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the liquid simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the garlic butter sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the skillet to fully combine with the chicken and garlic butter sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to finish.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired for a fresh, zesty touch.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or a gluten-free pasta option to suit dietary preferences.
- For an extra dose of vegetables, stir in fresh spinach leaves or steamed broccoli shortly before serving.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
- Using chicken thighs instead of breast yields a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency without altering the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
