Ingredients
The Honey Garlic Chicken Bites:
1.5 lbs chicken breasts (or boneless thighs), cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
The Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
8 oz spaghetti or linguine
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
\frac{1}{2} cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
\frac{3}{4} cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
🥣 Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving \frac{1}{2} cup of the hot pasta water just in case you want to thin your sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken cubes completely dry with paper towels. Season them generously with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes without moving them to get that beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through.
Step 3: Glaze the Chicken
Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the pan, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey and soy sauce. Toss the chicken bites continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce bubbles, reduces, and glazes the chicken in a sticky, glossy coat. Transfer the chicken and its juices to a plate.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those leftover chicken juices add incredible flavor!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or pasta water). Bring to a simmer and let it bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky smooth. Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet, tossing gently until every strand is beautifully coated in the cream sauce.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Ladle a generous swirl of the creamy pasta onto your plate, pile the sticky honey garlic chicken bites right alongside it, and garnish the entire dish with a scatter of fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot!