Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Parmesan Pasta

Introduction

If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich, smoky flavors with a creamy, cheesy texture, this recipe is for you. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites paired with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Parmesan Pasta is an all-in-one meal that’s both comforting and gourmet. The roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness, while the Parmesan adds depth to the creamy sauce. The garlic butter chicken bites bring a savory, golden-brown perfection to the dish, making it a family favorite and perfect for impressing dinner guests.

This dish is easy to prepare, with most of the cooking taking place in a single pan. It’s a recipe that even beginners can follow with fantastic results, while more experienced cooks will appreciate its bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or cooking for a special occasion, this pasta dish will undoubtedly shine.

Ingredients:

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)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. 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.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add the chopped roasted red peppers to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and add the chicken broth (or pasta water). Blend until smooth.
5. 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.
6. 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

1. 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.
2. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Serve the Dish

1. Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet, mixing them gently into the pasta.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Note:

• Roasted Red Peppers: You can use jarred roasted red peppers for convenience, or roast your own by placing whole red peppers under a broiler until charred. Once blackened, remove the skin and seeds, then chop roughly.
• Chicken: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken to ensure it browns evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this dish with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or a warm baguette makes an excellent side to mop up the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir.
• For a touch of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the finished dish before serving.

Tips:

• For a healthier version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk.
• To add more protein, consider adding cooked shrimp or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta.
• The roasted red pepper sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Feel free to swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary variations.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fat: 25g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 4g

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Parmesan Pasta recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that balances creamy textures with smoky, savory flavors. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner, yet impressive enough for guests. The combination of roasted red peppers and Parmesan cheese creates a unique taste that will make this dish a regular favorite in your kitchen.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Parmesan Pasta

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 50 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. 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.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add the chopped roasted red peppers to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and add the chicken broth (or pasta water). Blend until smooth.
5. 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.
6. 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

1. 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.
2. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Serve the Dish

1. Return the garlic butter chicken bites to the skillet, mixing them gently into the pasta.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and basil.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 620
• Sodium: 780mg
• Protein: 34g