Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the chicken
01 -
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
03 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
04 -
3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
05 -
1 teaspoon paprika
06 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ For the pasta
08 -
10 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine or whatever you prefer)
09 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 -
2 plump garlic cloves, minced
11 -
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
12 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
14 -
Salt and fresh-cracked black pepper to taste
15 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta following the package directions until al dente. Drain well but don't rinse, and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
02 -
Toss your chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they're golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.
03 -
Add the butter and minced garlic to the hot skillet with the chicken. Stir everything around to coat the chicken pieces in that fragrant garlic butter. Let it cook for another minute or two until the garlic becomes aromatic but not burnt. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
04 -
Using the same skillet (don't clean it!), melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it releases its aroma. Pour in the heavy cream while stirring to incorporate all those delicious browned bits from the pan. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the cheese melts completely.
05 -
Once your sauce has thickened slightly (about 2-3 minutes of simmering), add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet. Toss everything together until each piece of pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. Stir in the fresh parsley and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
06 -
Spoon the creamy pasta onto warm plates and top with generous portions of the garlic butter chicken bites. Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for color and freshness. Best enjoyed immediately while everything is hot and the sauce is creamy!
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
02 -
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu if you prefer a different protein option.
03 -
Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for the best flavor and creamiest texture in your sauce.