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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta

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Tender garlic‑butter chicken bites served over creamy Parmesan pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3–4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or choice)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾–1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper (and Italian seasoning if using).
  3. Heat olive oil + 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium‑high heat; add chicken and cook 5–7 min until golden and cooked through; remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Add another 1–2 tbsp butter and minced garlic (about 2 cloves) to skillet; sauté ~30–60 sec until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and (if using) chicken broth, then add Parmesan gradually, stirring until melted and sauce thickens (~3–4 min).
  6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce; toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if too thick.
  7. Return chicken bites to skillet; stir and heat through (~1–2 min).
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan; serve immediately.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
  • Substitute chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu if desired.
  • For lighter sauce, use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream.
  • Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with splash of cream or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, creamy Parmesan pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://recipesfoodeasy.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-with-creamy-pasta/