Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dish: creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites! Seriously, this meal is like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender chicken and rich, creamy pasta is simply irresistible. I love how quick it comes together, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something delicious and satisfying. Every bite is packed with flavor, and the garlic butter adds this lovely aromatic touch that just makes my heart sing. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen, too. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
To whip up this delightful creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, freshly grated for the best flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Having these ingredients ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Getting this creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites on your table is easier than you might think! Here’s how to do it:
- First, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it and set aside. Don’t forget to save a splash of that pasta water—you might need it later!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant—this is where the magic happens!
- Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan, letting it melt and create that dreamy sauce.
- Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated in that luscious sauce. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, and voila! Dinner is served!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Rich and creamy flavor that’s oh-so-satisfying.
- Tender chicken bites perfectly complement the pasta.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- A weeknight meal that feels like a restaurant dish.
- Great for leftovers or meal prep for the week!
Tips for Success
To really make your creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites shine, here are a few pro tips! First, always use fresh ingredients, especially the parmesan cheese—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor. If you want an extra kick, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the sauce. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Also, if you find the sauce too thick, just add a bit of that reserved pasta water to get the perfect creamy consistency. Happy cooking!
Variations of Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
One of the best parts about this creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites is how versatile it is! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. You can also throw in some fresh veggies like spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition. Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown for one serving of creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
This dish is rich and satisfying, so it’s perfect for a hearty meal. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers from your creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites? No problem! Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of heavy cream or reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce and get that creamy texture back. Stir gently until heated through, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is my go-to, you can use penne, spaghetti, or any pasta you love.
How can I make this dish lighter?
If you want to lighten it up, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of butter.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.
What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?
If you’re out of parmesan, grated pecorino or nutritional yeast can work as tasty alternatives!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta, this creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites is gluten-free!
Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy parmesan pasta with garlic butter chicken bites is a flavorful and satisfying dish. It combines tender chicken and rich pasta in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- For extra flavor, add Italian herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy parmesan pasta, garlic butter chicken, chicken pasta recipe
