Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender chicken cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce, paired with a luscious cream sauce coated over pasta. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, making it a go-to favorite for many home cooks. The combination of juicy chicken bites and creamy, cheesy pasta creates a satisfying and indulgent experience that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

One of the standout features of this dish is its appeal to a wide range of palates. The aromatic garlic and buttery chicken meld beautifully, while the creamy Parmesan pasta adds a comforting, rich texture. Additionally, the straightforward preparation allows for a stress-free cooking experience, making it an ideal choice for families with varying schedules. It's a dish that not only delivers on flavor but also brings everyone together around the dinner table.

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, along with tips and tricks to ensure a successful meal. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this guide will help you create an unforgettable dining experience that your loved ones will rave about.

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Section 1: Ingredients

To create the delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Extra garlic (optional)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

Section 2: Directions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perfectly prepare the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cooking Tips: For a perfect golden-brown finish on the chicken, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow even cooking.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta: Meanwhile, in a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In the same pot, lower the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the olive oil. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the cream mixture, stirring until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted. If desired, add extra minced garlic for more flavor.
5. Combine Both Components: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated. Finally, gently fold in the garlic butter chicken bites.
6. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

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Section 3: Cooking Tips

To ensure that your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some essential cooking tips:

Choosing the Right Chicken

• Fresh vs. Frozen Chicken: Using fresh chicken breasts will often yield a more tender and juicy result. However, frozen chicken can be a convenient option—just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
• Marinating for Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps infuse the chicken with extra flavor.

Cooking Pasta to Perfection

• For Al Dente Pasta: When cooking pasta, aim for al dente by testing it a minute or two before the package instructions recommend. This ensures a firm bite that's perfect for pairing with a creamy sauce.
• Avoid Sticky Noodles: Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking together. You can also add a splash of olive oil to the boiling water.
• Choosing the Right Sauce: Ensure that your sauce is ready by the time the pasta finishes cooking, as this ensures the pasta remains hot and absorbs the sauce seamlessly.

Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking to customize your dish, here are some alternative ingredients and variations:

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
• Add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes to the pasta for added nutrition and color.
• For extra flavor, experiment with spices like red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like basil and oregano.

Section 4: Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional value of your meal can help you make informed decisions. Here’s a breakdown per serving of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• Calories: Approximately 550
• Protein: 35g
• Fats: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g

The ingredients in this dish offer numerous benefits:

• Chicken: A great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic adds flavor and health benefits.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein, enhancing the dish's nutritional profile.

If you’re aiming to make the dish healthier without losing flavor, consider using low-fat cream or a larger ratio of vegetables to pasta.

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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This recipe features tender garlic butter chicken bites served over a bed of creamy parmesan pasta. It's a quick and delicious meal that combines savory flavors with a creamy finish, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4 People

Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large skillet
• 1 pot for boiling pasta
• 1 colander
• 1 mixing spoon
• 1 measuring cups
• 1 measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• additional parsley for garnish (optional) Can be added if desired.

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
• Add the chicken bites to the skillet and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
• In a separate pot, combine the heavy cream, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese over low heat. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy parmesan sauce in the pot, making sure the pasta is well-coated.
• Serve the creamy pasta on plates and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
• For extra flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking.

You can substitute the fettuccine with any pasta type you prefer.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.