This dish brings together tender garlic butter chicken bites and creamy parmesan pasta. It’s a warm hug in meal form, perfect for any day of the week!
I mean, what’s better than pasta coated in cheesy goodness? I could eat this every night! Just remember, the more garlic, the better. 🧄❤️
Making this is a breeze—just cook the chicken, mix it with pasta, and your taste buds will be doing a happy dance in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using either breasts or thighs for this recipe. Breasts are leaner, while thighs add a bit more richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the star here, giving the dish its bold flavor. If you only have garlic powder, use about 1/4 teaspoon for a milder taste. I always add a little extra garlic for a more intense flavor!
Pasta: Fettuccine is classic, but you can use any pasta shape you have on hand—penne, rotini, or even whole wheat options. Gluten-free pasta works too! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Heavy Cream: This adds the creamy texture to the sauce. If you want a lighter dish, half-and-half or whole milk can be a good choice. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk, though it will give a different flavor!
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Bites Are Cooked Perfectly?
The chicken bites should be golden and juicy, and here are some tips to help you achieve that:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the outside, keeping it moist inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cook in batches if needed, so the chicken cooks evenly.
- Trust your senses: when they’re golden-brown and no longer pink in the center, they are ready!
- Let them rest a minute before serving. This helps keep them juicy.
How Can I Get a Creamy Sauce Without It Going Lumpy?
Making a smooth, creamy sauce can be tricky. Here are some tips:
- Gradually whisk the grated Parmesan into the warm cream, not all at once.
- Keep the heat low when adding the cheese; high heat can cause it to clump.
- If your sauce gets too thick, add just a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Start with a tablespoon.
Enjoy making your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta—it’s sure to be a hit!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (to loosen sauce if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and chicken, and 15 minutes making the creamy sauce and combining everything. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining it, then set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
While your pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. When the butter has melted and is sizzling, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, letting it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce is smooth. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. If the sauce seems too thick, simply add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up a bit.
4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
Now, add the cooked pasta and golden chicken bites back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken well in the sauce. Let it cook together for another minute to heat everything through.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Transfer the pasta to your serving plates and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and feel free to sprinkle on some extra grated Parmesan for that cheesy goodness. Enjoy!
There’s nothing quite like this comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the richness of garlic butter chicken and creamy parmesan pasta. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne are great choices, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, such as spaghetti, rotini, or even gluten-free options. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they can vary!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used in place of heavy cream. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or almond milk, though they will slightly change the flavor of the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli. Simply sauté them alongside the garlic before adding the cream for a delicious and colorful addition!
