Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Category: Pasta Recipes

These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are juicy and coated in rich garlic butter, bringing tons of flavor to your plate. Paired with creamy Parmesan pasta, it’s a match made in heaven!

What I love most is how quick and easy it is to whip this up for dinner. Plus, my family thinks I’m a superstar chef! Who knew garlic and butter could make me look so good? 😄

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I love using boneless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work just as well. If you want to make it lighter, you can use turkey breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option!

Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor, but you can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch (1/4 tsp per clove). If you have roasted garlic, it adds a sweet touch, too!

Pasta: Fettuccine is my favorite because it holds the sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works great!

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is key for creaminess. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast!

How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken Bites?

Cooking chicken bites right is vital for a tasty dish. Here are my tips to ensure they are juicy and flavorful:

  • Start with a hot skillet; this helps to sear the chicken and lock in moisture.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to get a nice golden color.
  • Let the chicken sit without stirring for the first several minutes to develop that crispy crust. Then, flip and cook until fully cooked through!

How Can I Get My Pasta Creamy Without Clumping?

Creating a smooth creamy sauce can be tricky, but I’ve got a few tips:

  • Make sure to whisk the cheese in slowly and off the heat to avoid clumping.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. This water has starch that helps emulsify the sauce, giving it that silky finish.
  • Don’t forget to keep the heat low when adding the cream to prevent it from curdling!

With these tips and ingredient options, your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta will surely impress! Enjoy your cooking!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
  • Optional: freshly chopped parsley or basil for garnish

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 35 minutes. In no time, you’ll have a delightful dinner ready to impress your family and friends!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add your pasta and cook following the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Remember to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining and setting the pasta aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:

While the pasta cooks, grab your chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will help infuse great flavor into your chicken as it cooks.

3. Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken bites in a single layer. Let them cook without moving them around too much, so they get a nice golden brown on one side (about 3-4 minutes). Flip them and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Make Garlic Butter Sauce:

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and just lightly golden.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Toss them well to ensure they are evenly coated in all that delicious garlic butter sauce. Cook together for another minute to let the flavors combine, then remove from heat.

6. Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

In another pan or the same pot used for pasta, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

7. Add Parmesan and Pasta:

Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, toss in the cooked pasta and mix until it’s well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

8. Serve:

To plate, serve the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it with those tasty garlic butter chicken bites. Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a nice finishing touch.

9. Enjoy:

Dig in and enjoy your rich and creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta! It’s comfort food at its finest.

This recipe perfectly balances the flavors of tender chicken bites and a luxurious, creamy pasta—ideal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy cooking!

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice as they’re tender and juicy. Just ensure to cook them to the same internal temperature as breasts for food safety (165°F or 75°C). They may be even more flavorful!

How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?

If you’d like a lighter version, consider using turkey breast instead of chicken, and swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of Greek yogurt and chicken broth. This will cut down on the calories while still giving you a creamy texture.

What Should I Do with Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or more reserved pasta water to bring back the creaminess.

Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Cook the chicken and make the creamy sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and mix everything together. Just be sure to reheat gently!

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