Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Indulgent and flavorful, Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a dish that speaks to the soul. Picture this: tender, bite-sized chicken morsels bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with a creamy, cheesy pasta that envelops your taste buds in sheer delight. The aromas of garlic and melted butter wafting through your kitchen will make your heart race with anticipation. This recipe is not only quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it also brings a touch of nostalgia, evoking memories of family dinners and hearty meals.
You won’t want to miss out on this crave-worthy combination that will have kids and adults alike begging for seconds!
Are you ready to indulge in savory comfort?
Have you ever found yourself yearning for that warm, cozy feeling only a delightful pasta dish can provide? What if you could create a restaurant-quality meal right in the comfort of your own home? Imagine sinking your fork into a heaping plate of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, the garlic butter sauce clinging to each tender chicken morsel and the creamy pasta perfectly enveloping every bite. Can you resist the call of this decadent dish?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe is a game-changer for many reasons:
- Easy Prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward directions, this dish comes together in mere minutes, making it ideal for even the busiest of weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of common ingredients, you’re not left scrambling at the grocery store.
- Kid-Friendly: The flavors in this dish are universally loved, making it a great choice for picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan for serving
Gather these ingredients, and brace yourself for a culinary adventure that combines rich flavors and smooth textures to create a dish that is both heartwarming and uplifting.
Timing
Fast and indulgent, this dish is ready in 30 minutes or less. Whether you are rushing home from work or preparing a cozy meal on a lazy weekend, it fits perfectly into your schedule. But don’t let the speed fool you; this meal offers a luxurious experience that will feel as though you spent all day in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step
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Begin by preparing the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked to your preferred level of doneness, drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. As the butter begins to foam, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, for about 30 seconds—this is when your kitchen starts to filled with mouthwatering aromas.
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Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Season seamlessly with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté the chicken, turning occasionally, until the pieces turn a glorious golden brown and are cooked through, around 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, and add in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow to cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes, taking in the creamy richness that is developing.
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Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and well combined. If the sauce becomes too thick, feel free to add a little more chicken broth or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring the noodles are generously coated with the creamy sauce that screams decadence.
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Finally, return the chicken bites to the skillet, tossing again to combine everything perfectly and make sure the chicken is heated through.
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Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, letting it glisten and beckon you to dive in.
Nutritional Information
Calories will vary based on specific ingredient choices, but expect a satisfying yet indulgent meal when you dig into this dish. Remember, treating yourself now and then is an integral part of enjoying your culinary journey!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit without sacrificing flavor, consider swapping out heavy cream for a low-fat alternative or plant-based milk. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition, or try using grilled chicken breast instead of buttery bites—deliciously guilt-free without compromising taste!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta with a crisp garden salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette for a perfectly balanced meal or serve it alongside crusty garlic bread. For those special evenings, why not enjoy your meal with a glass of white wine or sparkling water?
And, of course, you can’t forget dessert! An irresistible chocolate lava cake or light lemon sorbet will end the meal on a sweet note.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the temptation to overbake the chicken, as this can quickly lead to dryness and an unappetizing texture. Be sure to sauté the chicken just until golden brown for the best results!
Another common issue involves improperly measuring the pasta water when making the sauce—too much or too little can result in a watery or overly thick consistency.
Lastly, don’t skip the step of scraping up the brown bits from the skillet; these flavorful morsels add depth to your creamy sauce and prevent a mess in your pan!
Storing Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is unlikely given how delightful this dish is!), allow it to cool completely before portioning it into airtight containers. You can safely freeze your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for up to three months. When reheating, do so gradually on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the creamy goodness and prevent drying out.
Tempted to Make This Dish ASAP?
It’s time to indulge your cravings and whip up a batch of these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta! With luscious flavors and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a cherished family favorite. So grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a meal that envelops you in warmth, deliciousness, and memories.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is recommended, you can easily substitute with penne, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply choose a gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set!
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a delicious result.
4. How can I make it spicier?
Adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce will elevate the dish to new spicy heights!
5. What should I serve on the side?
Consider a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or some garlic bread. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
Indulge in tender chicken morsels bathed in garlic butter sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 oz fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, add chicken broth and scrape up brown bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer, cooking until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Adjust consistency with chicken broth or pasta water if needed.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet until coated with the creamy sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to combine and heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream or whole wheat pasta. Be careful not to overcook the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
