Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta & Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 lbchicken breast (bite-sized: The main protein source in this dish, chicken breasts are lean and versatile. Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and absorb the garlic butter flavors beautifully.)
- 3 clovesgarlic (minced: Garlic adds a robust flavor that is aromatic and savory, forming the backbone of both the chicken and the sauce.)
- 2 tbspolive oil: This creates a non-stick cooking surface and adds depth to the overall flavor of the chicken.
- 2 tbspunsalted butter: Butter contributes to the richness of the dish and enhances the garlic flavor (creating a decadent coating for the chicken.)
- 1/2 tsppaprika: A hint of smokiness is added by paprika (enhancing the overall flavor profile.)
- —Salt & pepper (to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.)
- 8 ozfettuccine or favorite pasta: Fettuccine is a popular choice as its broad surface area holds sauces well (but any pasta shape will work perfectly.)
- 2 tbspunsalted butter: Added to create a silky sauce for the pasta.
- 2 clovesgarlic (minced: Extra garlic ensures that the pasta sauce is flavorful and aromatic.)
- 1 cupheavy cream: This is the base for the creamy sauce that envelops the pasta; it can also be substituted with a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- 1 cupgrated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp and nutty flavor and thickens the sauce to a lovely creamy consistency.
- 2 cupsfresh spinach: A nutritious addition that wilts beautifully and adds color to the dish. Spinach can also be replaced with kale or arugula for a twist.
- —Salt & pepper (to taste: Key for seasoning the sauce to your desired flavor.)
- 1/4 tspred pepper flakes (optional: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this adds a nice kick to the dish.)
Instructions
- 1
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- 2
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, take 1 lb of bite-sized chicken breast and season it with 1/2 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- 3
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add 2 tbsp of unsalted butter. Once melted, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything to coat in the garlic butter, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- 4
Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt another 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Spinach: Once the creamy Parmesan sauce is ready, add the drained pasta and 2 cups of fresh spinach to the pan. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency using the reserved pasta water.
- 6
Serve: Once everything is well mixed, plate the creamy pasta, and top it with the buttery chicken bites. You can garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy your delicious meal!