Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
650kcal
Ingredients
For the garlic butter chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) for added heat
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the creamy Parmesan pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Preparing and Cooking the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Lower the heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken in garlic butter. Once fragrant, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If it’s too thick, adjust the consistency using the reserved pasta water.
Final Assembly
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until it’s evenly coated.
- Plate the pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition
Serving1gCalories650kcalCarbohydrates50gProtein30gFat40gSaturated Fat25gSodium800mgFiber2gSugar3g
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions: You could use chicken thighs for a juicier bite or substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Optional Variations: Add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition. For a spicy kick, include more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Storage and Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.