Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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Here’s a recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta that combines tender, flavorful chicken bites with a luscious, cheesy pasta:

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water (adjust as needed)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked.
  3. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet, reduce the heat, and add butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Toss everything together to coat the chicken in the garlic butter. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  3. Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with black pepper and nutmeg.
  4. Stir in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

4. Combine and Serve:

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated.
  2. Top with the garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner!

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