Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic (minced)

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)

2 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic (minced)

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, adds depth of flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: In a bowl, season the chicken bites with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium and add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 4: Plate the creamy parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount to suit your taste.

Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.

Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer juicier, more flavorful bites.

Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the pasta for extra nutrition and color.

If you want a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta types for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes such as fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken pieces should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside. Cooking for 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat usually ensures they are cooked through, but you can cut a piece open to check if unsure.