Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (from a jar or homemade), roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water (in case you need to thin the sauce) and drain the remaining water. Set the cooked pasta aside.
Step 3: Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the chopped roasted red peppers to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and add the chicken broth (or pasta water). Blend until smooth.
- Return the sauce to the skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy roasted red pepper sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Serve the Dish
- Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet, mixing them gently into the pasta.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 620
- Sodium: 780mg
- Protein: 34g