Are you looking for a delicious dinner idea? Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a tasty dish that combines tender chicken and creamy pasta in one satisfying meal. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to try this recipe. First, it’s quick and simple to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the combination of garlic butter chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta creates a delightful flavor that everyone will love. Finally, this dish is versatile and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a few, this recipe will surely please!
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the pasta:
- 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the garlic butter and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Serve the garlic butter chicken bites over the creamy Parmesan pasta. Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for a fresh finish. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Tips to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in garlic, paprika, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, to the pasta for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and Parmesan to suit your taste.
Variation
You can easily make this dish with shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it is cooked properly.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use other types of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or whole wheat pasta.
Q2: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A2: Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for easy meals during the week.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A3: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers. Make sure to store them in an airtight container and consume within 2 months for the best quality.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Can substitute with shrimp or tofu.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika Can marinate chicken with this for added flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the pasta
- 300 g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken in the garlic butter and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serving
- Serve the garlic butter chicken bites over the creamy Parmesan pasta.
- Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
