These Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are tender and packed with flavor, served over creamy Parmesan pasta that is simply dreamy! It’s a comfort food win for sure!
Just thinking about this dish makes my taste buds dance! 😋 I love how quick it is to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without all the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work perfectly too. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try substituting with tofu or chickpeas for a tasty twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for cooking, giving you control over the seasoning. If you want a healthier fat, go for coconut oil or olive oil, but adjust the flavor as needed.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, but use about 1/8 tsp per clove. I think there’s nothing like fresh garlic in this dish!
Pasta: Fettuccine is my go-to, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or spirals. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are great alternatives if you need dietary options.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is essential for the best taste. If you’re in a hurry or dairy-free, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
How Do I Make the Chicken Extra Flavorful?
The key to delicious garlic butter chicken bites is in the cooking method and seasoning. Start by ensuring your chicken pieces are dry; this helps them get that lovely brown color when cooked.
- Season the chicken before cooking. Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and herbs!
- Cooking at medium-high heat allows the chicken to brown nicely without drying out.
- First, cook undisturbed for a few minutes on one side—this creates a nice sear.
- Adding the garlic to the butter later prevents it from burning and adds a robust flavor. Keep that in mind!
What’s the Best Trick for a Creamy Sauce?
A creamy sauce can be tricky, but here’s what I’ve learned. Start with a good base! After sautéing the garlic, slowly add the heavy cream. Stir constantly to avoid any lumps.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and gives a smoother consistency.
- Adjust the sauce thickness with reserved pasta water—just add a bit at a time until you’re happy with the creaminess.
- If it gets too thick, just whisk in more pasta water; it’ll keep the flavor intact!
With these tips, you’ll create a mouthwatering dinner that your family will love! Enjoy making this dish and feel free to get creative with the ingredients!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) 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 freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll be cooking the pasta and chicken at the same time, making it a quick and efficient meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season the pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown on one side. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. This step infuses the butter with the delicious garlic flavor!
5. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, tossing them well to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Allow everything to cook together for an additional minute, letting the flavors meld.
6. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, which should take about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
7. Add Cheese and Season:
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add your cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing everything together well to ensure the pasta is fully coated in that luscious sauce.
9. Serve:
Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and generously top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for garnish adds a lovely touch of color and freshness!
10. Enjoy!
Serve immediately while hot. For an extra touch, consider adding more grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Dig in and enjoy this delicious meal!
FAQ: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and linguine are great choices, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary between different types.
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 a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for creaminess. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream, keeping in mind it will change the flavor a bit.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and simply combine them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. Reheat both the chicken and sauce on the stove before mixing them in with the pasta.
