Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Indulge in this creamy, savory, and comforting Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta! With tender bites of golden chicken and pasta coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
Tips
- Make It Lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Add fresh spinach or steamed broccoli to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated on the stove with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute fettuccine with spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the chicken ahead and store it separately. Then, prepare the sauce and pasta right before serving for the creamiest result.
3. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, try using half-and-half. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream is a good alternative, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Be sure to lower the heat before adding the cream and Parmesan. Stir continuously and avoid boiling the sauce, as this can cause curdling.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or fresh spinach make excellent additions to this dish. Just add them when you combine the pasta and chicken.