Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine); ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring golden seared chicken, a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, and tender penne or fettuccine. Perfect for comfort food cravings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Add half the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the remaining garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg (optional) and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add a splash of pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed. Stir in the cooked chicken.
Serve: Plate the creamy pasta, top with chicken, and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Main dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired