Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Reserved pasta water
To Finish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic and cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Grate the Parmesan cheese and chop fresh parsley if using.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic with the chicken. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Let everything melt together into a creamy sauce, stirring frequently.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta smoothly.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses.
- Adjust the amount of pasta water for a thinner or thicker sauce consistency.
- To lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add spinach or peas for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg