Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe
Indulge in a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This recipe combines tender chicken bites sautéed in rich garlic butter, paired with velvety pasta drenched in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: The entire dish comes together in just seven simple steps.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand, making it a convenient choice for weeknight dinners.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Impress your guests at a dinner party or enjoy a cozy family meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The flavors are rich and inviting, delighting both kids and adults alike.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan makes each bite incredibly tasty.
This recipe stands out because it perfectly balances flavors and textures, ensuring a comforting and satisfying meal.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Season the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, take your cut chicken pieces and season them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This step adds great flavor to the chicken.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken bites to the skillet. Cook them until they are golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté this mixture for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but avoid burning it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Incorporate the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, raising the heat slightly to bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
Add the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired for a kick.
Combine Everything: Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently so it’s well coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Enjoy your delightful dish filled with flavor and comfort!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. The creamy sauce makes it perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests.
How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to maintain its creamy consistency.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- For added depth of flavor, try marinating the chicken in Italian herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you’re looking for a healthier option, substitute half-and-half or a lower-fat cream for the heavy cream.
- For more texture, consider adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to the dish.
Variations
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes.
- Swap out Parmesan for other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for different flavor profiles.
- You can use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a seafood or vegetarian version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking to guarantee even cooking.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.
Why did my sauce curdle?
If your sauce curdles, it may be due to overheating. Make sure to keep the heat on medium or low when adding the cream and cheese.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the dish after cooking. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. It’s best consumed within 2-3 months.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more cream to adjust the consistency.
In summary, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is an easy, quick, and delicious meal that anyone can make. The combination of garlic and butter with the rich Parmesan sauce makes it irresistible. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to share on your social media – what variations did you try? Let us know below!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty dish featuring tender chicken bites sautéed in rich garlic butter, served with velvety pasta and a creamy Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add fettuccine, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Add remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate the Cream: Pour in heavy cream, raise heat to a gentle simmer, and stir frequently for about 3 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Everything: Return cooked chicken to the skillet with drained pasta, toss gently to coat in the sauce.
Notes
For added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian herbs for 30 minutes before cooking. Optional: add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg