Introduction to Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re like me, you cherish quick and delicious meals that bring the family together. That’s why I can’t wait to share my Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta. This dish is the perfect solution for busy evenings, where you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chicken bites drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over luscious creamy pasta, it’s comfort food at its finest. Trust me, this delightful meal will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights! It comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a speedy option for those evenings when time is tight. The blend of succulent garlic butter chicken and savory creamy Parmesan pasta creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile enough to please picky eaters, ensuring everyone at the table leaves with happy hearts and satisfied bellies!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a fantastic Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These tender chunks soak up the flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that adds richness during cooking.
- Unsalted butter: This imparts a creamy texture to both the chicken and the pasta.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that aromatic punch!
- Paprika: It lends a subtle warmth and a gorgeous color to the dish.
- Garlic powder: An extra garlic boost for those who can’t get enough.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavors.
- Pasta: Any shape you love; penne or fettuccine works perfectly!
- Heavy cream: This creamy dream enriches the sauce to perfection.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the sauce, providing a savory depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs elevating the flavor profile.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For brightness and a pop of color.
Feel free to play around with these ingredients! Maybe you want to toss in some red pepper flakes for a kick or swap chicken for shrimp or mushrooms if you’re feeling adventurous. For convenience, the specific measurements are available at the bottom of the article for easy printing!
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of making this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta. Trust me, it’s easier than you think and oh-so-rewarding!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil.
Make sure it’s salty like the ocean; this enhances the pasta’s flavor as it cooks. Toss in your pasta of choice. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. It usually takes around 8-10 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside, saving a bit of that pasta water for later if needed.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, let’s give our chicken some love! Sprinkle the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix it all together, ensuring each piece gets a flavor-packed hug. Resting it for a few minutes lets those spices soak in, resulting in mouthwatering bites.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your seasoned chicken pieces.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. You’re looking for that perfect golden hue and tenderness that makes every bite irresistible. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Trust me, it’ll join the party again soon!
Step 4: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add unsalted butter and minced garlic. A wonderful aroma will soon fill your kitchen!
Cook the garlic for about a minute, just until fragrant. This is where the magic happens. Toss the chicken back in, ensuring it’s drenched in that luscious garlic butter sauce. Let it mingle for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove it to a plate while you whip up the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In that same skillet, add more butter and sauté a bit more garlic to build up that flavor.
Now pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble slightly. Then, gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep an eye on it to ensure you stir frequently until the sauce thickens, usually around 2-3 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Alright, let’s bring it all together!
Add your drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss it around gently to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water you saved earlier. This will help get that super creamy, dreamy texture.
Step 7: Plate and Garnish
Your masterpiece is almost ready to shine! Grab a beautiful serving plate and spoon that creamy pasta into the center.
Now, top it off with those glorious garlic butter chicken bites. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley to add a pop of green and freshness. Your loved ones will be swooning over this dish—even before the first bite!
Tips for Success
- Always salt your pasta water well; it makes a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when sautéing chicken; it can steam instead of brown.
- Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the garlic.
- For a creamier texture, add pasta water gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish just before serving for that fresh look and taste.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta. A deep skillet works too!
- Skillet: A non-stick or cast iron skillet is great for sautéing.
- Colander: Perfect for draining pasta. A slotted spoon can do in a pinch.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping chicken and garlic.
Variations on Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- Swap the Chicken: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use bite-sized pieces of sautéed mushrooms or a medley of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Add a Kick: Spice things up by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for extra creaminess and flavor depth.
- Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme in the creamy sauce for a fragrant touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad pairs perfectly to balance the creamy richness.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay complements the dish beautifully.
- Presentation: Serve in pasta bowls for an inviting look.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Curious about this delightful dish? Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta to help you out!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and pasta separately in advance. Just reheat them together when you’re ready to serve. This keeps dinner stress-free!
How can I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or water to keep it creamy.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, bowtie, or whole wheat options. Whatever your heart desires!
What if I don’t have heavy cream? No worries! You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind it may not thicken as well. Adding a little extra cheese can help achieve that creamy texture!
Is this recipe kid-friendly? Absolutely! The combination of garlic butter chicken and creamy pasta is a big hit with kids. You can even tweak the seasoning based on their taste!
Final Thoughts
Creating this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is more than just cooking; it’s a delightful journey. Each bite is a reminder of comfort and love, a perfect dish to share with family and friends. Knowing that you can whip this up in just 40 minutes makes it feel even more rewarding. Whether it’s a hectic weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to steal the show. Trust me, the smiles and satisfied sighs you’ll receive are the ultimate proof that you’ve cooked something truly special!
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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta Delight!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious combination of tender garlic butter chicken bites served over savory creamy Parmesan pasta.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the garlic butter and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the creamy pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta in this recipe.
- For an added kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This dish can be easily doubled for a larger crowd.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
