Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta (Printer-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 3 tablespoons butter, divided
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

→ For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta

09 - 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 2 cups heavy cream
12 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

# Let's Cook!:

01 - Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
02 - Season chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Cook in butter over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until golden. Add garlic and butter, stir to coat, then set aside.
03 - In same skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Add cream, seasonings, and bring to simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Adjust consistency with pasta water.
04 - Toss cooked pasta in sauce until evenly coated. Top with garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with parsley if desired.

# Cook's Notes:

01 - Can substitute shrimp for chicken
02 - Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms if desired
03 - Stores in fridge up to 3 days
04 - Reheat in skillet, not microwave