Last night, I whipped up Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, and it was a hit with my family. The chicken was tender, the pasta perfectly al dente, and the sauce rich with garlic and parmesan. What I love most is how quick and easy it is to make, yet it feels like a restaurant-quality meal. If you're looking for a dish that's both comforting and impressive, this one might just become your new go-to.
What You'll Love About This Recipe
This recipe combines tender garlic butter chicken bites with a rich, creamy parmesan pasta for a meal that's both comforting and indulgent.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: A perfect blend of garlic, butter, and parmesan for a satisfying taste.
- Versatile: Pair with your favorite veggies or salad for a complete meal.
Recipe
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken bites with a rich and creamy pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a balance of savory garlic butter and cheesy parmesan flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken bites to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving: 4
Calories: 650 per serving
Cuisine: Italian-American
Equipment
To prepare this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, you'll need a few essential kitchen tools. Gather the following equipment to guarantee a smooth cooking process:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium-sized pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Colander for draining pasta
- Tongs for handling chicken
- Grater for Parmesan cheese (if using block cheese)
Nutrition
This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal. Here's a breakdown of its nutritional highlights:
- High in protein from chicken and Parmesan cheese.
- Provides essential vitamins like B6 and B12 from chicken.
- Contains healthy fats from butter and olive oil.
- Rich in calcium and phosphorus from Parmesan cheese.
- Moderate carbs from pasta for sustained energy.
What to Serve With This Recipe
I love pairing this dish with a fresh garden salad for a light, crunchy contrast, or garlic breadsticks to soak up that creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli add a healthy, colorful touch, while a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up every last bite. These sides make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from the star of the show.
Fresh Garden Salad
When you're serving up something as rich and flavorful as Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, a crisp, fresh garden salad is the perfect way to balance things out. I love tossing together organic greens with seasonal produce like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots. A light vinaigrette adds just the right zing without overpowering the dish. It's simple, invigorating, and complements the meal beautifully.
Garlic Breadsticks
Though the star of the meal might be the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Creamy Parmesan Pasta, you can't go wrong pairing it with some garlic breadsticks. I love how the garlic seasoning adds a perfect kick to the soft, chewy breadsticks. Depending on my mood, I'll switch up the breadstick variations—sometimes I make them extra crispy, and other times, I add a sprinkle of herbs for a fresh twist.
Roasted Vegetables
The aroma of roasted vegetables can transform a simple meal into something truly special. I love using seasonal produce like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers—they're fresh and packed with flavor. Pairing them with garlic butter chicken bites creates a balance that's both hearty and light. Tossed in olive oil, herbs, and a pinch of salt, they caramelize beautifully, adding a sweet, smoky note that complements the creamy pasta perfectly.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli's crisp-tender texture and bright green color make it a perfect side for garlic butter chicken bites and creamy parmesan pasta. It's one of my go-to cooking methods because it's quick and keeps its nutrients intact. Broccoli benefits, like being packed with vitamins and fiber, make it a healthy choice. Plus, it adds a fresh pop of flavor that balances out the richness of the meal.
Crusty Baguette
Adding a crusty baguette to this meal feels like the perfect finishing touch, especially after enjoying the bright, fresh flavor of steamed broccoli. I love how it soaks up the creamy sauce, turning into a toasted bread treat with every bite. Plus, tearing off pieces for a crunchy snack while eating makes the whole experience feel cozy and fun. It's simple, but it just works!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Chicken Thighs?
I'm often asked if chicken breast can replace thighs. Taste buds aside, the nutritional comparison shows breast's leaner, while thighs pack more flavor and moisture. Cooking time's shorter for breasts—just watch the clock to avoid drying them out.
How Do I Store Leftovers and for How Long?
I store leftovers in an airtight container and follow refrigeration guidelines closely. They'll last 3-4 days in the fridge. For safety precautions, I make certain they're cooled properly and reheat them thoroughly before eating to avoid any risks.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream With Milk?
When the kitchen's gentle whispers call for cream alternatives, I often find milk consistency offers a lighter touch. It's a swap I make freely, though it won't cloak the dish in quite the same velvet embrace.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
I'm wondering if this recipe's gluten-free. It depends on the ingredients used, like pasta and sauces. For gluten-free options, I'd swap regular pasta for rice or chickpea pasta and check labels for celiac-safe alternatives.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
I can definitely make this dish ahead of time for meal prep, which helps with time management. I'll store the components separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
