Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta yet, you’re in for a real treat! This dish is like a cozy hug on a plate, bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly seared in rich, aromatic garlic butter, then tossed with luscious, creamy pasta that’s enveloped in melted parmesan cheese. It’s not just delicious; it’s also super quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these mouthwatering garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Choose fresh, boneless chicken breasts for juicy bites. Cut them into roughly 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key here! It adds a punch of flavor that perfectly complements the butter and chicken.
- 4 tbsp butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning. This is what makes everything rich and delightful!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This will give your sauce that creamy, dreamy texture. Don’t skimp on the cream; it’s what makes it indulgent!
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce. It’s worth the little extra effort, trust me!
- 8 oz pasta of your choice: I love using fettuccine or penne, but really, any pasta works. Just pick your favorite!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate the dish. Just sprinkle them in as you go!
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create a delicious meal that’ll impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! This recipe is straightforward and full of flavor, so I promise you’ll be enjoying your meal in no time.
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente. Once it’s cooked just right, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. I like to drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over it to prevent sticking, but that’s totally optional!
Preparing the Chicken
Next up, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. This is where the magic begins! Once the butter is nice and bubbly, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh wow, the smell is heavenly! Now, add the diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through. You want those bites to be juicy and tender!
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat a bit and pour in the heavy cream. Stir it all together until combined, and then add in the grated parmesan cheese. Mix it in well until it melts completely, forming a luscious, creamy sauce that hugs every bite of chicken. It should be thick and decadent—my favorite part!
Combining Everything
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy chicken mixture. Stir gently to ensure every piece of pasta gets coated in that dreamy sauce. Let it simmer together for a minute or two, just to meld those flavors. And there you have it—your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is ready to serve! Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley for that extra pop!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta! Here are just a few:
- Quick to prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich flavors: The combination of garlic butter and creamy parmesan creates a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave.
- Satisfying meal: Hearty chicken and pasta make this a filling dish that will leave you and your loved ones happy and content.
- Perfect for family dinners: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family gatherings or when you have friends over.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this dish again and again! It’s comfort food at its finest.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta turns out absolutely perfect? Here are some pro tips that I swear by!
- Don’t rush the garlic: When you sauté the garlic, keep an eye on it! It can go from fragrant to burnt in a flash. Just a quick 30 seconds is usually enough to bring out its amazing flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan make a world of difference in flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
- Cook chicken evenly: Make sure to cut your chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Nobody wants a dry bite, right?
- Taste as you go: Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce as you’re mixing in the cream and parmesan. You might want to adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper to make it just right!
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Follow the package instructions for the pasta, but check it a minute or two before the time is up. You want it al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Save some pasta water: If your sauce seems a little too thick, you can always add a splash of the starchy pasta water to loosen it up. It helps create a silky texture!
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens the dish. Don’t skip this step—it makes everything look so inviting!
With these tips, you’ll be a garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta pro in no time! Enjoy the cooking adventure and happy eating!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! While I always recommend enjoying your food without obsessing over the details, knowing the nutritional breakdown can be super helpful, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your diet. Here’s an estimated look at the nutritional values for one serving of garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, when you’re diving into a delicious dish like this, a little indulgence is totally worth it, right? Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up as you dive into this delicious recipe:
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. This will help it cook evenly and avoid any rubbery texture.
What type of pasta works best?
You can use any pasta you like! I personally adore fettuccine or penne, but spaghetti, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta can work just as well. Just pick your favorite!
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to add in some sautéed spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for a nutritional boost. Just toss them in with the chicken during cooking.
How can I make this dish lighter?
If you want a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of parmesan cheese. You can still achieve a delicious flavor without all the calories!
What should I serve with garlic butter chicken bites?
This dish is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to enhance your meal, consider serving a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side. It’ll complement those flavors beautifully!
Now you’re all set to tackle this recipe with confidence! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
You’re going to love how easy it is to store leftovers of these garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta! First things first, make sure to let any leftovers cool down to room temperature before packing them away. This helps prevent condensation, which can make things a bit soggy.
Transfer the dish into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. These tasty bites will stay fresh for about 3-4 days—if they last that long, that is!
When it’s time to enjoy your delicious leftovers, reheating is a breeze. You can use either the microwave or the stovetop. If you’re using the microwave, just spoon out the portion you want, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps retain moisture), and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until warmed through.
If you prefer the stovetop, simply place the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or leftover pasta water to help loosen the sauce and stir gently until everything is heated evenly. This method keeps the creamy texture intact and makes it taste almost as good as fresh!
And there you have it—easy storage and reheating tips to ensure you can relive that garlic butter goodness even the next day! Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up your delicious garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta, let’s talk about what to serve alongside for a well-rounded meal experience! Trust me, a few simple additions can take your dinner to the next level.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm, crusty garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce and adds a delightful crunch to your meal.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. Plus, it adds a pop of color to your plate!
- Roasted Vegetables: Tossing some seasonal veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil makes for a nutritious and tasty side. The caramelized edges will complement your dish beautifully!
- Steamed Broccoli: For a classic side, steamed broccoli is a great choice! It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and the vibrant green color adds a nice contrast to your creamy pasta.
- Wine Pairing: If you’re feeling fancy, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with this dish. It enhances the flavors and makes for a lovely dining experience.
With these sides, you’ll create an inviting meal that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. Enjoy every moment around the dinner table, and happy feasting!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic butter chicken bites served with creamy parmesan pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Reduce heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Add parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish is best served warm.
- Feel free to add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken bites, creamy parmesan pasta, chicken recipe, pasta recipe
