This dish features tender chicken bites cooked in rich garlic butter, served alongside creamy parmesan pasta. It’s a meal that feels fancy but is super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this dish. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner. If you’re looking for a quick option, precooked grilled chicken works well too!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fantastic flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, use garlic powder instead. One teaspoon of garlic powder is equal to about one clove of garlic.
Pasta: While I suggest fettuccine, any pasta like penne or rotini will work. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be great alternatives if needed!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, half-and-half or whole milk can be used. Just know that the sauce will be less creamy. Cream cheese also makes a great thickener if you’re out of heavy cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor! If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be good substitutes.
How Can I Get the Chicken Extra Flavorful?
For the chicken bites, seasoning is key. Make sure to coat them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. A key tip is to let them brown nicely in the pan, as this creates a depth of flavor.
- Use medium-high heat to sear the chicken. This will help achieve that beautiful golden color!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed. This ensures each piece sears well.
- Feel free to add some lemon juice or zest during the last minute of cooking for a fresh kick!
What’s the Best Way to Make the Creamy Sauce Smooth?
To make a smooth creamy sauce, there are a few steps to follow. First, whisk your cream steadily as it heats up. Gradually add the cheese and keep stirring until it melts.
- Start with a warm, not boiling pot—this prevents the cream from separating.
- If you find the sauce too thick after adding the cheese, use some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Add the cheese gradually, whisking continuously for a lump-free sauce.
These tips will help you create a lovely creamy sauce that perfectly coats your pasta and chicken. Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (e.g., fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Optional garnish: extra Parmesan and chopped parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes in total: 10 minutes for pasta preparation and about 10 minutes to cook the chicken and make the sauce. It’s a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring they’re well-coated. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the chicken bites and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through—this should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and keep the chicken warm while you continue with the sauce.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
Using the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for roughly 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous! If the sauce is too thick, just add a little of that reserved pasta water bit by bit until you achieve your desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to mix well, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce.
5. Serve:
Plate up the creamy Parmesan pasta generously onto plates and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Trust me, it’s going to look amazing!
6. Garnish:
Finish your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and some extra Parmesan cheese, if you like.
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta and savor every bite! Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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 do this is by placing it in the fridge overnight or using the cold-water method—just seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. You can also use less butter and consider adding more veggies, like spinach or broccoli, to the pasta for added nutrients without compromising on flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I Customize the Pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to switch out the pasta type for your favorite, whether that’s whole wheat, gluten-free, or a different variety like spaghetti or bowtie. You can also add vegetables, such as sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or peas, for extra flavor and color!
