These garlic butter chicken bites are juicy and packed with flavor, perfectly complemented by creamy parmesan pasta. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
Honestly, who can resist juicy chicken and creamy pasta? I often make this for a cozy dinner, and it never fails to make my family smile. Give it a try—you’ll love it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best for this dish, as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for a faster option, rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a substitute!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that delicious flavor, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. However, if you only have salted butter, just reduce the additional salt in the recipe.
Pasta: While fettuccine and penne are great choices, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta will also fit nicely into this recipe.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the sauce a wonderful creaminess. If you need a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Make the Chicken Extra Flavorful?
The key to flavorful chicken bites lies in seasoning and cooking technique. Start by ensuring the chicken is well-dried. This allows for better browning and flavor. Seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs adds a strong flavor base.
- Heat your skillet well. A hot pan gives the chicken a nice sear, sealing in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. This helps form that golden crust!
How Can I Make the Creamy Sauce Smooth?
Getting a silky smooth creamy sauce requires a couple of tricks. Start with gently heated cream; this prevents it from curdling when mixed with cheese.
- Whisk the cheese into the cream gradually. This ensures it melts evenly without clumping.
- If the sauce seems too thick, adding a splash of pasta water can help thin it and add flavor.
- Always taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning before combining with pasta to ensure the flavor is just right.
Following these tips and techniques will not only help you succeed in making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta but also enhance the flavors and textures! Enjoy cooking!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For The Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. Approximately 10 minutes for preparation and another 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). When they’re ready, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels; this helps achieve a nice sear. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for great flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Next, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken bites. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn—nobody likes burnt garlic!
5. Return Chicken to Skillet:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Stir everything together to coat the chicken well and warm it through for about 1-2 minutes. This will give the chicken an extra boost of flavor!
6. Prepare Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant. Then, gently pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and some crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta into the creamy parmesan sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly with that luscious sauce.
8. Serve:
It’s time to plate! Serve the creamy parmesan pasta onto plates and top it off with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
9. Enjoy:
Dig in right away while it’s warm and creamy! This dish is super comforting and delicious—perfect for bringing joy to any dinner table.
This hearty meal brings together tender garlic butter chicken bites and creamy parmesan pasta, making it a delightful choice for any dinner occasion!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight, or you can use a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker method. Once thawed, pat the chicken dry to achieve a nice sear.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options such as rice, corn, or quinoa-based pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain moisture in the pasta.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this dish dairy-free by substituting the butter with a vegan alternative and using coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
