This recipe features juicy chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with creamy parmesan pasta. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I can’t resist the buttery goodness of this dish. The flavors blend so well, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. And yes, I always snag that extra bite of creamy pasta! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work just as well. If you need a substitute, tofu or chickpeas can be great plant-based options.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling seasoning. If you’re dairy-free, consider using olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference! If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano adds a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is a good vegan option, too.
Pasta: I love fettuccine for its creamy sauce-hugging capability. However, you could use any pasta shape you prefer; penne or farfalle also work beautifully!
How Can I Make the Garlic Butter Sauce Perfectly?
The garlic butter sauce is key to this dish, and it requires just a bit of care to ensure it’s flavorful and smooth. Here’s how to nail it:
- Cook the minced garlic in butter until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth by scraping up the flavorful bits; this adds depth to the sauce.
- Incorporate the heavy cream slowly and keep stirring. This helps create a creamy texture.
- Add Parmesan gradually until melted, ensuring it fully incorporates into the sauce.
Just remember to taste along the way! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to get it just right. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 30 minutes total, including around 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 20 minutes of cooking time. A quick and tasty option for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken bites generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken bites and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant, but be careful not to brown it! Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor!
4. Combine and Simmer:
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and if you’re using them, the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly—about 3 to 5 minutes will do.
5. Bring It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them to coat well in the creamy sauce. Then, add the drained pasta and gently mix everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated and heated through.
6. Serve:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious finish.
Enjoy your creamy garlic butter chicken bites with luscious Parmesan pasta! 🍝
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine works wonderfully, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti are great options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
How Can I Make This Dish Lighter/Healthier?
If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and broth. Additionally, you could use olive oil instead of butter, or even skip the cheese for a dairy-free option.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it gently on the stove. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating to loosen it up.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the garlic before adding the cream and cheese for a tasty and nutritious boost!
