Description

Savor the rich and comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired with creamy Parmesan pasta. Tender chicken bites seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs are sautéed in garlic butter for a fragrant, savory punch. Served over silky fettuccine enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Bites

2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Creamy Parmesan Pasta

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: In a bowl, season the chicken bites with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium and add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Set aside.
Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Assemble & Serve: Plate the creamy parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder flavor.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother melting.
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
For a low-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Parmesan Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food, Italian Chicken, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Meal