These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender, juicy pieces full of flavor, and they come together quickly! Paired with creamy Parmesan pasta, it’s a meal that feels special.
Honestly, who can resist buttery garlic chicken? It’s my go-to when I want something comforting yet fancy! Plus, the pasta is so creamy, I often find myself licking my plate clean. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully here. If you’re vegetarian, try using firm tofu or chickpeas instead. Both will absorb flavors nicely while providing a good protein option.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for cooking. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter can serve as great substitutes without losing any richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that punch of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but fresh gives the best taste. Try adjusting the amount based on your garlic love level!
Pasta: While fettuccine is classic, any pasta shape—like penne or spaghetti—will do. For a gluten-free option, quinoa or brown rice pasta works well, too.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for its creamy texture. In a pinch, pre-grated works fine. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can give you that cheesy flavor with a twist!
How Do You Achieve Tender Chicken Bites?
To get perfectly tender chicken bites, follow these steps closely. Don’t rush the cooking process; it really pays off!
- Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken well, letting it marinate for a few minutes if possible.
- Cook over medium-high heat, which helps create a nice sear without overcooking.
- Only stir them occasionally; letting them sit allows for that golden crust to form.
- Cook until just done—overcooked chicken can become tough, while juicy pieces stay tender.
What’s the Best Way to Create a Creamy Sauce?
Creating a creamy Parmesan sauce is all about technique! Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a good quality heavy cream and let it simmer gently. High heat can cause it to curdle.
- Whisk in the cheese slowly. This helps it incorporate smoothly without clumping.
- If the sauce gets too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you find your desired consistency.
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning before combining it with the pasta for the best flavor.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re set to make a delicious batch of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta! Enjoy!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1.5 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes in total—15 minutes for preparation and cooking the chicken, and another 15 minutes for the pasta and sauce. It’s a quick meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s ready, remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining it. Set the drained pasta aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
While your pasta is cooking, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce for Chicken:
In the same skillet (to capture all those wonderful flavors!), reduce the heat to medium and add the 4 tablespoons of butter. Wait for it to melt, then add the minced garlic, cooking it for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn! Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it around to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors together.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sauce:
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell its aroma. Next, stir in the heavy cream and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, season it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if you’re feeling a little adventurous!
5. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta directly into the creamy Parmesan sauce and stir until every piece is coated evenly. Yum!
6. Serve:
To serve, plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and generously top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor!
Now, dig in and enjoy your delicious, comforting Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
FAQs for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine, penne, and linguine are great choices, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Gluten-free options, like brown rice or chickpea pasta, also work well!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Can I Prepare the Chicken and Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the creamy sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Just reheat gently before combining with pasta to serve.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or pasta cooking water if needed to refresh the creamy sauce.
