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Benjamin

Skillet Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Pasta – The Ultimate Comfort Meal!

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal! Juicy, garlicky chicken bites are seared in butter and tossed with a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce and tender pasta. This dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Bites:
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Cook the Pasta:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
  3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Chicken Bites:
  1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, add the butter and minced garlic, and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
  1. In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine.
  2. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  3. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens.
Combine Everything:
  1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
  2. Stir in the garlic butter chicken bites and mix well.
  3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Serve and Enjoy:
  1. Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
  2. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy this rich, garlicky dish!

Notes

  • For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
  • Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

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