Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: A Comforting Weeknight Classic

In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken bites and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Return the chicken bites to the skillet, toss to coat, and set aside.

Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the drained pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

Assemble the Dish:
Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta in bowls and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with parsley or basil.

Serving and Storage Tips: