Why Make This Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and rich, creamy pasta. It’s an easy recipe that offers a wonderful mix of flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. It takes only a short time to prepare and is full of ingredients that create comfort in each bite.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken Bites: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Drizzle with extra garlic butter if desired and garnish with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Serve this dish warm on a plate. You can add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely first. Then transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should last for up to three days. For long-term storage, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
Variation
You can easily switch the pasta type based on your preference. Zucchini noodles or whole-grain pasta are great alternatives. You could also substitute chicken with shrimp or firm tofu for a different protein option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain the chicken before cutting it into pieces.
Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as rich.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare both the chicken and pasta ahead. Just reheat them together before serving to keep them warm and flavorful.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
A delightful dish featuring tender chicken bites tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over creamy Parmesan pasta.
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Drizzle with extra garlic butter if desired and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, garlic butter, creamy, Parmesan
