This dish features tender chicken bites cooked in a creamy garlic butter sauce that makes each bite melt in your mouth. Toss it with cheesy Parmesan pasta for added delight!
Who can resist the combo of garlic and butter? It always makes my kitchen smell amazing! I love serving this dish with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top—yum!
It’s quick to make, which is great for busy weeknights. Just sauté the chicken, whip up the sauce, and mix it with the pasta. Dinner is ready in no time, and it tastes fantastic!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, but thighs offer extra flavor and tenderness. You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for the strongest flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half can be good substitutes.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives a wonderful flavor and texture, but you can also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, though the texture will be different.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken well is crucial for a tasty bite. Here’s how to ensure it’s perfectly done:
- Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Heat the skillet well and let the oil shimmer before adding the chicken; this helps it brown nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
Check with a meat thermometer: it should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part. You’ll achieve a golden brown outside while keeping it juicy inside!
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your choice)
- Salt (for pasta water)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, totaling about 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Season the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. This will add great flavor to your chicken!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken bites. Cook until they are golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
5. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds extra flavor! Let the broth simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook on medium heat, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure it’s a nice creamy consistency!
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and coat them in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes to heat through.
8. Toss the Pasta:
In a large bowl or using the pasta pot, toss the cooked pasta with butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and creamy.
9. Serve It Up:
Plate the pasta and generously top it with the creamy garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. Dig in!
Enjoy this rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for comforting family meals or impressing guests!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and linguine are great choices, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta all work wonderfully with the creamy sauce!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. For the Parmesan cheese, consider using nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute to maintain the flavor profile.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Adding spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes can enhance both the flavor and nutritional value. Simply sauté the vegetables with the garlic in step 4 or add them to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.
