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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

A culinary masterpiece with tender chicken pieces enveloped in rich garlic butter, paired with creamy pasta in a luscious Parmesan sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: comfort food, Creamy Pasta, Family-Friendly, Garlic Butter Chicken, Quick Dinner
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 650kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil For a crisp, golden texture
  • 1 tbsp butter Adding richness
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Delivers essential garlicky flavor
  • 1/2 tsp paprika Providing a subtle smokiness
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning Enhances the dish beautifully
  • Salt & pepper to taste For balanced seasoning
  • Chopped parsley For a burst of freshness

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta The perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Bring on the garlic goodness again
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream For a luxurious, creamy texture
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Provides a divine depth of flavor
  • Salt & black pepper to taste To suit your palate
  • pinch nutmeg (optional) For a hint of warmth

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the rest.

Sear the Chicken Bites

  • Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear for about 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove chicken and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds.
  • Gradually pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Add the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat, using reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Assemble & Serve

  • Top the pasta with the garlic butter chicken bites and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the creamy sauce for added nutrition and flavor. You can also switch herbs for an aromatic finish.