Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. This recipe combines tender chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is simple to prepare yet impressive enough to wow your guests.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– Chicken breast: 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
– Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
– Butter: 4 tablespoons
– Salt: to taste
– Black pepper: to taste
– Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
– Pasta (fettuccine or your choice): 8 ounces
– Heavy cream: 1 cup
– Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
– Fresh parsley: for garnish (optional)

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Bites

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for flavor.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add 2 more tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.

Prepare the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Serve the Dish

Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken Substitutes

You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier and more flavorful option.

Pasta Variations

Feel free to use any pasta shape you like such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.

Healthier Options

For a lighter alternative, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, and reduce the amount of butter in the garlic sauce.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken bites and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Flavor Boosters

Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for additional flavor and nutrients in the creamy pasta.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Cook techniques

Searing Chicken

Searing the chicken bites in a hot skillet creates a golden-brown crust, enhancing the flavor and texture. Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken.

Making Garlic Butter

To make garlic butter, melt unsalted butter in a skillet and add minced garlic, allowing it to sauté until fragrant. This forms the base for rich flavoring in the chicken.

Deglazing the Pan

After cooking the chicken, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine. This allows you to incorporate the browned bits, resulting in a more flavorful sauce.

Creating Creamy Sauce

For the creamy Parmesan sauce, combine heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings in the skillet, stirring until well blended. Heating gently prevents the sauce from curdling.

Cooking Pasta

Cook the pasta separately in salted boiling water until al dente. This ensures proper texture and flavor, allowing it to absorb the creamy sauce effectively.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used as an alternative, but it may require less cooking time to avoid drying out.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine or penne pasta are great choices for this dish, as they hold the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and combine them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition and flavor. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the chicken.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightfully savory dish that brings together tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and a luxurious pasta coated in creamy parmesan sauce. This meal not only satisfies hunger but also elevates any dinner table with its appealing flavors and textures. It’s a perfect choice for family dinners or special occasions, quickly becoming a favorite.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Layer cooked pasta with garlic butter chicken, Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella cheese for a hearty bake that enhances the creamy flavors.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Swap chicken for shrimp and add a splash of lemon juice to the creamy pasta for a refreshing variation that still highlights the garlicky goodness.

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Garlic Butter Sauce

Use a medley of seasonal vegetables sautéed in a garlic butter sauce, served over rice or quinoa for a lighter option that complements the flavors of the original dish.

Caprese Chicken Skewers

Grill chicken skewers marinated in garlic butter and serve with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes for a summery bite that pairs well with pasta.

Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Toss cooked pasta with basil pesto and grilled chicken bites, providing a fresh, herby alternative that enhances the garlic flavors.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

For a vegetarian option, fill pasta shells with a mixture of spinach and ricotta, topped with garlic butter sauce and baked to perfection for a comforting dish.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

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