Description
Tender garlic butter chicken bites served over rich and creamy Parmesan pasta for a hearty, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the pasta:
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in garlic butter and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
7. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy sauce. Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with additional parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth texture in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg