Description
Tender garlic-butter chicken bites meet creamy Parmesan pasta in this quick, comforting dish perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
- 1 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rotini)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½–1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with paprika or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add half the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and cook remaining garlic for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
- Return pasta to skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
- Gently fold in cooked chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Half-and-half or plant-based cream can substitute heavy cream.
- For added heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Mix in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
- Swap Parmesan with Asiago or Romano for a sharper taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
