This dish features tender chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over cheesy parmesan pasta. It’s like a hug for your taste buds!
The best part? It’s quick to make! Perfect for busy nights when you need something tasty and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll want to keep this recipe close! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can work wonderfully too. They’re juicier and add great flavor!
Olive Oil: This is my go-to for cooking as it brings a nice flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, try avocado oil or even butter for extra richness.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor! If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated cheese is okay, but fresh really makes a difference. You can also substitute with Pecorino Romano for a bolder taste.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Cooked Chicken Bites?
Cooking chicken bites correctly is crucial for this dish. Follow these steps to ensure they’re juicy and flavorful:
- Start with medium-high heat when adding the chicken to the skillet; this helps create a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring they’re fully cooked by checking they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Taking these steps will give you delicious, tender chicken that shines in your garlic butter sauce! Enjoy cooking!
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes cooking the pasta and preparing the chicken and sauce, plus a few extra minutes for prepping ingredients and garnishing. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, take your chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken bites. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Finish the Sauce:
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and allow them to coat in the creamy sauce for an additional 2 minutes. Then, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing everything together until the pasta is well coated in that delicious sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish:
To finish, garnish your creamy garlic butter chicken bites and pasta with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve it warm, and enjoy every bite of this heavenly dish!
Bon appétit! Your creamy, garlicky chicken bites with cheesy parmesan pasta are ready to delight your taste buds!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded or diced leftover cooked chicken can be a great time-saver. Just skip the browning step and add the chicken to the sauce after adding the broth and cream. Heat it through before combining with the pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as creamy. Another great alternative is coconut cream for a dairy-free version, which will add a slight coconut flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens up.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. Add them to the skillet along with the garlic to sauté before adding the cream and broth for added flavor and nutrition!
