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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
John

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Tender chicken bites seared in garlic butter and served over luscious creamy Parmesan pasta. This restaurant-quality comfort dish comes together in just 30 minutes for an impressive weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 685
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb 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
  • 10 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped plus extra for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Set aside.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  4. Add garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken in garlic butter and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer chicken to a plate.
  5. Make the cream sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Build the sauce: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Stir in chopped parsley.
  8. Serve: Divide the creamy pasta among serving plates. Top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken—work in batches if needed for proper browning
  • Add garlic toward the end of cooking to prevent burning and bitterness
  • Reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles
  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the cream sauce