Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken bites sautéed in rich garlic butter, served over a creamy Parmesan pasta. This recipe is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests at special occasions. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic butter and creamy Parmesan creates a rich taste that’s irresistible.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these delicious chicken bites and creamy pasta.
- Comfort Food: Perfect for those days when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
To create Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta, having the right tools makes the process easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken bites while making sure they get that golden color.
- Pot for boiling pasta: A good pot helps maintain steady heat, ensuring your pasta cooks perfectly al dente.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 2: Add Garlic Butter
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Stir well to coat each piece of chicken in the garlic butter mixture.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
- In a separate pot, boil water and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 4: Prepare Creamy Sauce
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet where you cooked the chicken, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- After cooking for about 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Drain pasta and add it to the skillet as well.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving for an extra pop of color.
Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta as a comforting main dish that’s sure to satisfy!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Serving Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes, providing a delightful meal for family and friends.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Basil leaves: Adding fresh basil can enhance the aroma and freshness of the dish.
With Extra Parmesan
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offer extra cheese at the table for those who love a cheesy touch.
- Parmesan crisps: Serve alongside as a crunchy side to complement the creamy pasta.
With a Side Salad
- Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy contrast and refreshing taste.
- Mixed greens salad: Tossed greens with vinaigrette can lighten up the meal.
With Bread
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up any remaining creamy sauce.
- Dinner rolls: Soft rolls are great for enjoying alongside the chicken bites.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
To make your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta even better, consider these tips.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor compared to pre-minced options.
- Cook pasta al dente: This ensures your pasta has the right texture and holds up well in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your palate.
- Let the sauce thicken: Allowing enough time for simmering thickens the sauce, adding richness.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Complementing your main dish is essential for a well-rounded meal. Here are some side dishes that pair nicely with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds nutrition and flavor.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli brings vibrant color and crunch to your plate.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing balance to the creamy pasta.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs makes an excellent base for soaking up sauces.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich mashed potatoes work well together with both chicken and pasta flavors.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick-cooked spinach adds healthy greens that complement your main dish beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season the chicken properly can lead to bland bites. Always season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat once it’s golden brown and cooked through.
Using low-quality pasta: Cheap pasta may not hold sauces well. Opt for a good quality pasta for the best texture and flavor in your dish.
Rushing the sauce: A thick, creamy sauce requires time to simmer. Allow the sauce to cook slowly, stirring frequently, to achieve the perfect consistency.
Not adding enough garlic: Garlic is essential for flavor in this recipe. Don’t skimp on garlic; use fresh cloves for the best aroma and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Best used within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer! Bowties or spaghetti work great as well.
How can I customize this recipe?
You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. You could also use different proteins like shrimp or tofu.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better after sitting overnight.
What should I serve with this dish?
A side salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is not just delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins. This comforting dish makes dinner a delightful experience that everyone will love!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This delightful dish features tender chicken bites sautéed in rich garlic butter, served over creamy Parmesan pasta that is both satisfying and bursting with flavor. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The vibrant taste of garlic and the creaminess of Parmesan combine to create a meal that will impress family and friends alike. Serve it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 300 g pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic; cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet.
- In a separate pot, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Combine cooked chicken and drained pasta into the sauce; toss until everything is well coated.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
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