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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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A weeknight showstopper featuring tender chicken bites in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over creamy Parmesan pasta for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Cook the chicken bites: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken, and cook until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice, stirring for 30 seconds.
  4. Start the cream sauce: In the skillet, melt remaining butter and add minced garlic for the sauce, cooking until fragrant.
  5. Make a roux: Whisk in flour, cooking for about 1 minute.
  6. Add milk and cream: Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until thickened and smooth.
  7. Finish the sauce: Stir in Parmesan until melted, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
  8. Combine pasta and chicken: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to coat, and return chicken to warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!

Notes

Pat the chicken dry for a better sear and use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter, chicken, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food, Italian, Parmesan

Find it online: https://swifttasty.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-creamy-parmesan-pasta-3/