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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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Bite-sized pieces of tender chicken seared in garlic butter and folded into a creamy Parmesan pasta sauce for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for the sauce)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for the sauce)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for the sauce)
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces of pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
  2. Season the chicken. Toss 1½ pounds of chicken with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Sear the chicken. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 4 tablespoons butter. When hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden on one side, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Finish cooking the chicken. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  5. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if using, then add the juice of half a lemon and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Toss briefly, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  6. Start the sauce. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and add 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  7. Build the cream sauce. Slowly pour in 1½ cups milk while whisking to prevent lumps, then add ½ cup heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  8. Finish the sauce. Stir in 1 cup Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. If too thick, thin it with reserved pasta water as needed.
  9. Combine pasta and chicken. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Return the chicken to the skillet, fold to combine, and let everything warm through. Garnish with additional parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a lighter flavor, consider using chicken thighs for juiciness. This dish can be made ahead; just combine everything just before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, garlic butter chicken, Parmesan pasta

Find it online: https://saveurmagique.com/garlic-butter-chicken-bites-creamy-parmesan-pasta-4/