Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish: garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta! Seriously, this recipe has it all—it’s quick, it’s delicious, and it’s guaranteed to make your kitchen smell heavenly. Imagine tender pieces of chicken swimming in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy pasta that just clings to each bite. I whip this up whenever I’m in a pinch for time, and it never fails to impress my family. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, which is a lifesaver when everyone’s tired after a long day. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to recipe too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- 4 tablespoons butter, which adds that rich garlic flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced to release all that aromatic goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream, for that luscious, creamy sauce.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated—this is where the magic happens!
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice; I love using fettuccine for a nice bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste, because seasoning is everything!
- Fresh parsley, chopped for a beautiful garnish that adds a pop of color.
Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go, and we’ll be cooking up a storm in no time!
How to Prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Cooking the Pasta
Let’s kick things off by cooking the pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is super important because it helps flavor the pasta. Once it’s bubbling away, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You’ll want to keep it warm while we focus on the chicken.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Now, let’s make those delicious garlic butter chicken bites! In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, toss in the diced chicken. Season it generously with salt and pepper—this is where the flavor starts building! Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently until it’s browned and cooked through. You can check if it’s done by cutting into a piece; it should be white all the way through and juicy, not dry. When the chicken is ready, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Oh, that smell is just heavenly!
Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
With the chicken cooked to perfection, it’s time to make that creamy parmesan sauce! Pour in the heavy cream while stirring to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the cream to heat through for about a minute. Then, slowly add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a deliciously creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up a bit. You want it smooth and velvety, perfect for coating that pasta!
Combining Everything Together
Finally, let’s bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce. Toss everything gently until the pasta is well coated in that luscious sauce. Make sure every bite has a bit of chicken and sauce—trust me, it makes all the difference! Serve it right away, garnishing with fresh parsley for that beautiful finish. Enjoy your scrumptious meal!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta turn out perfectly! First, don’t rush the cooking process—let the chicken brown properly, as this adds so much flavor. If you find that your sauce is too thick, just remember, a splash of pasta water can save the day! It’s like magic, trust me. Also, taste as you go; adjusting salt and pepper can really elevate the dish. If you want to mix things up, feel free to add some veggies like spinach or broccoli for a nutritious twist. And if you’re in a pinch, using pre-grated parmesan can save time, but fresh is always best for flavor! Just avoid overcooking the pasta, as you want it to hold up well when combined with the sauce. Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. It’ll still taste fantastic!
What kind of pasta works best?
I love using fettuccine, but you can use any pasta you have on hand—penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options work great!
How can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even a plant-based alternative. You’ll still get a creamy sauce without all the calories!
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding veggies like spinach, broccoli, or even bell peppers can boost the nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in with the chicken!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutritional Information Section
Just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a rough guide! Each serving of these garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta typically contains around 600 calories, 35g of fat, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying meal that hits the spot without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Tender, flavorful garlic butter chicken bites that everyone will rave about.
- Creamy parmesan pasta that’s rich and satisfying, but simple to make.
- A one-pan dish means less cleanup—yay!
- Family-friendly and kid-approved, making it a sure hit at the dinner table.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is super easy! Just let any leftovers cool down before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them! Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or a little water to help loosen the sauce as it warms up. Stir gently to prevent sticking, and heat until everything is warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it and stir halfway through for even heating. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Garlic butter chicken bites served with creamy parmesan pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Add grated parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until pasta is well coated in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness (165°F).
- For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken bites, creamy parmesan pasta, easy chicken recipe, beginner friendly pasta dish
