Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Savory Flavors: The combination of garlic butter and creamy Parmesan creates a luxurious taste experience.
- Family-Friendly: Appeals to both adults and children, making it a versatile choice for family meals.
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.
- Cook 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 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Once melted, add 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.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Toss to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta.
- Top with the garlic butter chicken bites.
- Drizzle with extra garlic butter if desired.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Alternatively, microwave on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with any pasta of your choice, such as penne, spaghetti, or linguine.
2. Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it may be less creamy.
3. How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water or additional chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 serving
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken bites sautéed in rich garlic butter, paired with silky Parmesan-infused pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick, family-friendly meal that combines savory, creamy, and cheesy flavors for the perfect dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: Extra garlic butter (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente, per package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss the cooked chicken in the garlic butter sauce.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In a separate skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add heavy cream and chicken broth, simmer gently.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve:
- Toss cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Plate the pasta and top with garlic butter chicken bites.
- Drizzle extra garlic butter, if desired, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: American
