Description
Tender garlic butter chicken bites served over rich, creamy Parmesan pasta—easy comfort food ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or 1 cup half-and-half for lighter version)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a pot and cook pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Season chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Sear chicken for 5–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add half the minced garlic in the last minute, then remove chicken from skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter and briefly sauté the remaining garlic. Return chicken to the skillet to coat in garlic butter. Remove chicken and set aside again.
- Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in the skillet, sauté remaining garlic if not already used, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese and optional nutmeg until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Serve pasta topped with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Add chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Incorporate veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Use half-and-half or milk with cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
- Reheat with a splash of milk or pasta water to maintain sauce consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
