Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken Bites with Parmesan Farfalle is a comforting, creamy pasta dinner loaded with golden chicken, tender farfalle and a rich Parmesan garlic sauce. The chicken bites are seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs, browned until golden, then tossed through silky pasta for an easy family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
700 g (1½ lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
350 g (12 oz) farfalle pasta
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning as needed, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet.
Cook for about 1 minute, tossing the chicken through the garlic butter so every piece is coated. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Using the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until creamy.
Add the cooked farfalle to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water and continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
Return the golden chicken bites to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, allowing the chicken to warm through and become coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Sprinkle the pasta with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy, the pasta is warm and the chicken is golden and tender.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in a single layer so it can brown properly.
Reserve the pasta water because a splash of starchy pasta water can help loosen the sauce and make it glossy.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to help create a smooth creamy consistency.
Use freshly grated Parmesan so it melts smoothly into the cream sauce.
Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and silky.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian