Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. If you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place. In this recipe, tender chicken bites are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and served with a creamy and cheesy parmesan pasta. It’s a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter sauce adds a burst of flavor to the juicy chicken bites, and the creamy parmesan pasta complements it perfectly. This recipe is also versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
– 8 ounces fettuccine or your preferred pasta
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
Step 1: Cooking the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Season the chicken bites with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
4. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden brown.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
1. Cook the fettuccine or your preferred pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Stir in the butter until fully incorporated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and toss until well coated in the creamy sauce.
Expert Tips for Success
– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken bites in the garlic butter sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
– If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
– To make this recipe healthier, you can substitute olive oil for butter and use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta.
– Don’t overcook the chicken bites, as they can become dry. Cook until they are just cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Variations and Substitutions
There are several ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences:
– Instead of chicken, you can use shrimp or tofu as a protein alternative.
– Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
– Substitute the fettuccine with penne, linguine, or your favorite pasta shape.
– If you’re not a fan of parmesan cheese, try using cheddar or mozzarella instead.
Serving Suggestions
To serve this delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, garnish with fresh parsley and basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables to add some greens to your meal. For a complete dinner, serve with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While the pasta is best served immediately, you can prepare the garlic butter chicken bites ahead of time and refrigerate them. Reheat them in a skillet over low heat before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you have leftovers from a previous meal. Simply skip the cooking steps and add the cooked chicken to the garlic butter sauce to heat through.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful and satisfying meal that will please even the pickiest eaters. The combination of juicy chicken bites in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, paired with the creamy and cheesy parmesan pasta, creates a harmony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead and give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Tender chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce served with creamy and cheesy parmesan pasta, creating a harmonious and flavorful meal that is easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 8 ounces fettuccine or preferred pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and dried thyme to the skillet, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Season chicken bites with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
-
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden brown. Remove skillet from heat and set aside.
-
Cook the fettuccine or preferred pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
-
In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
-
Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Stir in butter until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and toss until well coated in the creamy sauce.