Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
A delightful blend of savory garlic-infused chicken and luxuriously creamy pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650kcal
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking
- 1 tbsp butter Foundation for garlic goodness
- 4 cloves garlic, minced For seasoning the chicken
- 1/2 tsp paprika Adds smokiness
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning Herb blend for flavor
- to taste salt & pepper Essential for flavor
- Chopped parsley For garnish
Pasta and Cream Sauce
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta Your choice of pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced For the sauce
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream Creates the creamy sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds rich flavor
- a pinch nutmeg (optional) For added warmth
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil a pot of salted water and add the fettuccine or linguine. Cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
Sear the Chicken Bites
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the seasoned chicken. Sear for about 5-6 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Add the butter and minced garlic, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the additional minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to gently simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency.
Assemble & Serve
- Spoon the creamy pasta onto serving plates and top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs. Incorporating vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes enhances the dish's nutritional value. Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.