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Garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta served in a skillet

Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Summary: Tender garlic butter chicken bites served with rich, creamy parmesan pasta for an easy, restaurant-quality weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 –5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
  • 8 oz pasta fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
  • Optional: baby spinach sautéed mushrooms, fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes for garnish

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet and add minced garlic. Cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, then return chicken to the pan and toss with the garlic butter. Add lemon juice if using. Set aside.
  5. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
  6. In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.
  8. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes. Toss in optional veggies if desired.
  9. Plate the creamy pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with parsley or extra parmesan. Serve warm!

Notes

Notes:
For extra flavor, zest a bit of lemon on top before serving.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast.
Avoid freezing; the cream sauce may split.