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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta

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Tender chicken bites seared in garlic butter and served over a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta for an indulgent yet easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Add chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, whisk in reserved pasta water 1–2 tablespoons at a time to reach desired consistency.
  6. Add cooked pasta and chicken back into skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce and heat through, about 1–2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
  • Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid separating the sauce.

Nutrition

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

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