Get ready for a tasty treat with these garlic butter chicken bites! They are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Paired with creamy Parmesan pasta, this dish is a winner!
Honestly, who can resist garlicky goodness? I love how quick this meal comes together—perfect for busy evenings or cozy weekends. Plus, leftovers make a great lunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best, but if you’re in a pinch, feel free to substitute with shrimp or tofu for a different protein choice that’s still flavorful.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, opt for vegan butter or olive oil instead. Both provide richness without compromising taste!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for robust flavor. In a hurry? You can use garlic powder (1/8 tsp per clove) if fresh isn’t available, but fresh is always better!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, ensure your cheese is made without animal rennet. Pecorino Romano is a great alternative as well!
Pasta: While fettuccine or penne are popular choices, any pasta shape will do! Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary-specific option.
How Can I Ensure My Garlic Butter Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your chicken just right is essential for this dish! Here’s how to cook it perfectly:
- Use a large skillet to give the chicken plenty of space. This helps in browning it evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming!
- Keep the heat medium-high at the start for a nice golden exterior, then reduce it to medium for even cooking through.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
By following these tips, you’ll get those chicken bites nicely browned on the outside while keeping them juicy on the inside!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine or penne recommended)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 20 minutes preparing the chicken and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, save 1/4 cup of the water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
While the pasta cooks, take a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chopped chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken in a single layer to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Once ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce for Chicken:
Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the 3 tablespoons of butter. When the butter has melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—make sure it doesn’t burn!
4. Combine Chicken with Garlic Butter:
Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the chicken absorb those delicious flavors. Remove from heat and keep the chicken warm.
5. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce:
In a separate large skillet or saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Parmesan Cheese:
Lower the heat to low and slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and add in red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to plate up! Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta in bowls, topping it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor. Enjoy immediately with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad, if you like!
This recipe serves about 3-4 people, perfect for dinner with family or friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne work great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are excellent alternatives if you’re looking for healthier or dietary-specific options.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding more red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce. You can also include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when combining the pasta and sauce for an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter, and choose a dairy-free Parmesan cheese for a fully dairy-free version!
