Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Introduction

Are you in search of a quick, satisfying meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta! This dish combines juicy chicken bites sautéed in garlic butter with a rich and creamy parmesan pasta, creating a delightful dining experience that is perfect for any occasion. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also packs a punch of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Ingredients

For this mouthwatering dish, you will need:

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine works best)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken Bites

2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

6. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir.
7. Add the garlic powder and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
8. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

9. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly.
10. Finally, add the sautéed chicken bites back to the skillet and mix well.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

• Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape, such as spaghetti, linguine, or even whole wheat for a healthier option.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate some sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to enhance the nutritional value of the dish.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the flavors in this recipe.
• Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook the chicken and pasta in advance, and combine them when ready to serve.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. The chicken offers lean protein, while the creamy sauce contains healthy fats from the butter and cream, making it a satisfying meal that will keep you energized.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that you can whip up in no time. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible dish, and enjoy the compliments that come your way!

Call to Action

Ready to dive into this creamy, garlicky goodness? Try making Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta tonight, and don’t forget to share your experience and photos! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more delicious meals on our blog for endless culinary inspiration.

Serving and Storage Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Serving Tips

1. Presentation: Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites over a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta on a large platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
2. Accompaniments: Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
3. Garnishes: Consider adding additional garnishes such as grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or lemon zest for a fresh citrusy note.
4. Serving Temperature: This dish is best served hot, straight from the stove. If reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can be kept for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze the chicken bites and pasta separately. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
3. Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw frozen chicken and pasta in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to help regain the creamy texture.
4. Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta and chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little more cream or pasta water to bring back the creaminess.
5. Avoid Overheating: Be cautious not to overheat leftovers, as this can cause the pasta to become gummy and the chicken to dry out.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for days to come, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to be juicier. Just ensure they are cooked through, as they may take a few extra minutes compared to chicken breasts.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream (such as coconut cream or cashew cream) and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative instead of regular Parmesan cheese. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.

3. What types of pasta work best for this recipe?

While this recipe works well with any pasta type, options like penne, fettuccine, or farfalle are ideal due to their shape and texture, which hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Feel free to use whole grain or gluten-free pasta if you prefer.

4. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Adding vegetables is a great way to enhance the nutritional value of the dish. You can incorporate ingredients like sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, steamed broccoli, or peas. Simply toss them in with the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking or add them to the skillet when sautéing the chicken for a complete one-pan meal.

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