Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken pieces cooked in garlic butter pair beautifully with a rich and creamy parmesan sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. This recipe is both simple to prepare and utterly delicious.

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

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with extra salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creamiest sauce.
• Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
• Try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme at the end for an extra aromatic touch.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist, or use grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Swap fettuccine with penne, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta to suit your preference.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and warm carefully before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to be more tender and juicy, adding extra flavor to the dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared in advance, stored in the fridge, and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 118 reviews

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces sautéed in garlic butter, combined with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with al dente fettuccine. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or impressive meal for guests.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce and Pasta

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Chicken Bites: While the pasta is cooking, season the cut chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure flavorful bites.
3. Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken bites and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
4. Make Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
5. Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes to slightly thicken and meld the flavors.
6. Incorporate Cheese: Gradually whisk the grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired to taste.
7. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well-coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring every bite is luscious and flavorful.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
• Monitor chicken cooking time closely to prevent overcooking and dryness.
• Customize with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added aroma and taste.
• Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood variation, or use grilled vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore sauce consistency.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Pasta, Easy Dinner, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meal