The aroma of sizzling garlic and melting butter wafts through the air as you prepare to dive into the world of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken enveloped in a rich buttery coating paired beautifully with creamy pasta that dances on your taste buds. This dish is like a warm hug after a long day—comforting, indulgent, and oh-so-delicious.
Growing up, family dinners were a celebration of flavors and laughter. I remember my mom whipping up her special garlic butter chicken bites for our Sunday feasts. The anticipation was palpable as we gathered around the table, forks ready for action. Now, I bring this tradition to life with this recipe—perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests at your next gathering!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These garlic butter chicken bites are quick and simple to prepare, making them an ideal weeknight meal
- The flavor explosion from the buttery garlic sauce is irresistible
- Visually stunning with golden-brown chicken and creamy pasta, it’s sure to impress anyone at the table
- This versatile dish adapts easily for any occasion—just add your favorite veggies or salads!
My friends couldn’t stop raving about these garlic butter chicken bites when I served them at my last dinner party.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best; adjust based on how hungry everyone is!
- Fresh Garlic: Use 4-5 cloves for that robust flavor; fresh is always better than pre-minced.
- Butter: Stick to unsalted butter here; it lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
- Heavy Cream: For that luscious texture in the sauce; no substitutes allowed if you want creaminess!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan for maximum flavor—trust me; it’s worth it!
- Pasta of Choice: I love fettuccine here; feel free to use any pasta you adore.
- Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle brings everything together; use store-bought or homemade.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning your ingredients properly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop your garlic finely so it’s ready to unleash its flavorful magic when needed.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown.
Add Garlic Goodness: Toss in the minced garlic once the chicken is nearly cooked through; sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—being careful not to let it burn.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while scraping up those tasty bits from the pan. Reduce heat and stir in grated parmesan until melted and smooth.
Cook Your Pasta: Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water before draining completely.
Toss Everything Together: Mix cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce and add more cheese if desired! Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if necessary.
Enjoy every bite of this heavenly dish that brings together tender garlic butter chicken bites nestled among creamy parmesan-coated pasta!
You Must Know
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta are a delightful combination of flavors
- The savory garlic aroma fills the kitchen while the creamy pasta wraps around juicy chicken, creating a dish your family will love at first bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken bites first for that golden crust, then cook the pasta as you prepare the luscious garlic butter sauce. This sequence ensures each component shines in flavor without overcooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or add in some spinach for extra nutrients and color. Personalize the dish with your favorite herbs or spices to suit your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to revive that creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F
- Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an aromatic lift
- Remember, don’t rush; let flavors develop by simmering sauces longer!
Sharing this meal always brings smiles—my friends can’t resist seconds when they smell that garlic butter wafting through the air.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Parmesan?
Try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check all sauces and ingredients for gluten content.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken and rich pasta in a buttery garlic sauce, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- Pasta of choice (e.g., fettuccine)
- Italian seasoning
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Finely chop the garlic.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet when the chicken is nearly cooked through; sauté for about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and scrape up any bits from the pan. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added flavor, swap chicken for shrimp or include spinach for extra nutrients. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for optimal tenderness.
