Description
Indulge in Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. A rich, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: 1 1/2 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces – The main protein in the dish.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – For sautéing the chicken.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced – For the savory garlic butter sauce.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons – For the garlic butter sauce.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup – For the creamy pasta sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated – Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Pasta: 12 ounces (penne or fettuccine) – The base of the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste – For seasoning.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon – Adds a fragrant, herby flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Combine the Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired.