Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for added depth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and set aside, keeping the skillet warm.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the rest.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Divide the creamy Parmesan pasta among plates or shallow bowls. Top each serving with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with additional parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion with pasta
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g