These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are a tasty treat coated in buttery garlic goodness. Served with creamy Parmesan pasta, it’s a meal that fills you up and makes your taste buds dance!
I love how quick and easy this dish is to whip up. Plus, who can resist the combo of tender chicken and cheesy pasta? It’s like a big hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work great—both are juicy! If you need a quicker option, frozen chicken tenders can be used; just thaw them first. If you’re vegetarian, try cubed firm tofu or chickpeas instead!
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. If you prefer a healthier option, reduce the butter and use light olive oil instead. For a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter substitutes will do the trick!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a bold flavor. Don’t have any? Garlic powder works in a pinch. Use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove, but fresh is always best for that amazing aroma!
Pasta: I recommend fettuccine, but almost any type of pasta works! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta make great alternatives as well. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated offers the best flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) could tailor the dish to your needs!
How Can You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken Bites?
Cooking chicken until tender is all about the right technique. Here’s how to ensure perfect bites every time:
- Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces to cook uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary—this keeps the temperature up, ensuring browning.
- Always let the chicken rest after cooking for a few minutes. This helps juices redistribute, keeping it juicy!
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Pasta Sauce Without it Clumping?
To prevent clumping and ensure smooth sauce, follow these simple tips:
- Use low heat when adding cheese to your cream to melt without burning.
- Whisk constantly as you add the cheese gradually. This keeps everything light and combined.
- If the sauce gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right!
With these tips, you’re set to make a wonderful Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your choice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take approximately 30 minutes total! You can expect about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and fancy enough to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
While the pasta is cooking, take your chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This is where you add flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan, so work in batches if you need to. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Now, in the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Cook this until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 1-2 minutes—just be sure to stir to prevent burning!
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Next, return your cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Toss them around so they get nicely coated in that garlic butter sauce. Let everything cook together for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors before removing it from heat.
6. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. You only need to sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
7. Add Cheese and Season:
Lower the heat and slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and add in the optional red pepper flakes for a bit of spice!
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to mix everything. Add the drained pasta into the creamy sauce, tossing each strand until it’s well-coated. If the sauce is a bit thick for your liking, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
9. Serve:
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta generously and top it with the mouth-watering garlic butter chicken bites. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely touch!
10. Enjoy:
Dig in while it’s hot! This lovely dish is sure to make your day better with every delicious bite. Enjoy your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta!
FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Make sure to thaw the frozen chicken completely before cooking. The best methods for thawing are in the fridge overnight or in cold water for a quicker option. Just remember to pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may not be as thick or creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or a cashew cream made by blending soaked cashews with water until smooth.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can still follow the same cooking steps while making a creamy sauce with just the pasta and Parmesan!
