Description
A comforting dinner featuring juicy chicken bites and creamy Parmesan pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, divided
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, divided
- 12 oz dry fettuccine
- 1 tbsp kosher salt, for the pasta water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into uniform 1-inch pieces. Mince garlic, grate the Parmesan, and chop parsley.
- Cook the fettuccine. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, stir in kosher salt, add fettuccine, and cook until al dente (9 to 11 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Season the chicken. Toss chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, 3/4 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Brown the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and the thickest pieces reach 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
- Make the garlic butter. Reduce heat, melt 4 tbsp butter, add minced garlic, and cook for 30 to 60 seconds. Return chicken to skillet, add half of the parsley, and toss.
- Start the sauce. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan, add remaining minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Finish the cream sauce. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, remaining salt, and black pepper. Warm gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, whisking until melted. Stir in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water.
- Assemble and serve. Toss fettuccine with the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes, divide among plates, top with garlic butter chicken, and garnish with remaining parsley.
Notes
Serve warm with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 1030
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 60g
- Saturated Fat: 35g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 58g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy pasta, garlic butter chicken, easy dinner, family meal