These garlic butter chicken bites are juicy and bursting with flavor! Served on a bed of creamy parmesan pasta, this dish is a perfect comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Who can resist chicken dripping with buttery goodness? I love pairing these bites with that rich pasta because it feels like a warm hug on a plate! So easy and oh-so-delicious! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great, but feel free to use drumsticks or even shrimp if you prefer seafood. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or tofu instead, seasoned similarly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is key for controlling the salt in the dish. If you’re dairy-free, use plant-based butter or olive oil for cooking. Just realize that butter does give a unique flavor!
Pasta: I love fettuccine for its wide shape, which holds creamy sauce well. But linguine or spaghetti are perfect substitutes too. If you’re gluten-free, try rice pasta or zucchini noodles!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds the best flavor. For a milder taste, pecorino Romano is a great swap. Nutritional yeast can work for a vegan option too!
How Do I Get the Chicken to be Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken just right is the secret to delightful bites. Start by seasoning well! The Italian seasoning and paprika add great flavor. Here’s how to perfect the chicken:
- Heat the oil and butter until hot before adding chicken; this will help it brown nicely.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Flip the chicken pieces only when they’re golden brown. This helps develop a lovely crust.
What’s the Best Way to Create Creamy Parmesan Sauce?
The creamy parmesan sauce can make or break this dish. Here are a few steps to nail it:
- Cook the garlic just until fragrant, as burning it will make it bitter.
- Adding cream slowly allows it to blend evenly with the butter, creating a smooth texture. Stir continuously!
- Don’t rush when adding the cheese. Stir until it’s completely melted for that perfect creaminess.
With these tips and ingredient swaps, your garlic butter chicken bites and creamy parmesan pasta will be irresistible! Enjoy every bite! 😊
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 Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp pasta cooking water (reserved)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes in total, including approximately 10 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine (or linguine) and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget 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 the pasta is cooking, season the bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This will give them great flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter. Once the butter is melted, add the seasoned chicken bites. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce for Chicken:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, and add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss everything in the garlic butter sauce for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated and warmed through.
5. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
Using a separate saucepan or the same skillet cleaned up, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add the Parmesan:
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, you can add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Season the Sauce:
Season your creamy sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick if you like.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the cooked pasta directly to the creamy sauce. Toss everything well to coat the pasta evenly with that delicious sauce.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Take a plateful of creamy parmesan pasta and top it with the garlic butter chicken bites. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful meal!
This recipe creates juicy garlic butter chicken bites paired beautifully with rich, creamy parmesan pasta — an easy and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress! 🍽️
FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy parmesan sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to use, just reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a bit of water or cream to bring it back to life!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as creamy rich as it would be with heavy cream. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut milk or a cashew cream substitute!
