Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic butter and creamy Parmesan creates a luxurious taste experience.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different proteins or added vegetables to suit your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing to ensure each strand is well coated.
- Serve:
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Drizzle with extra garlic butter if desired and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the garlic butter sauce for added heat.
- Pasta Choices: Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free varieties to suit dietary preferences.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, substituting half-and-half will result in a lighter sauce, though it may be slightly less creamy.
2. What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Fettuccine, penne, or rotini are excellent choices as they hold the creamy sauce well.
3. How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli into the pasta for added nutrition and flavor.
4. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely, by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, you can enjoy this dish without gluten.
5. Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a quick and easy recipe featuring tender chicken bites in garlic butter sauce paired with pasta tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is indulgent, flavorful, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra garlic butter (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
- Once melted, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, toss in garlic butter sauce, and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Toss cooked pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Plate pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle with extra garlic butter, if desired.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for variety.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for more nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
