Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful comfort dish that brings together succulent chicken, aromatic garlic, and a velvety, creamy sauce. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen, making it impossible for my family to resist gathering around the table. This recipe comes to life when you’re in a pinch for a quick dinner or when you want to impress guests with your culinary prowess.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to whip up this delicious recipe. For starters, it’s incredibly quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for special occasions. The creamy sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken bites, turning a simple meal into something truly special. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages, ensuring your little ones will dive into their plates happily.
"I made this for a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds! The creamy Parmesan sauce was a huge hit!" — Happy Home Cook
How this recipe comes together
Preparing Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is straightforward and rewarding. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, taking roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. First, seasoned chicken bites are sautéed until golden brown. Then, you create a luscious creamy sauce with garlic and Parmesan cheese that envelops the chicken. Finally, you serve it all over your favorite pasta for a satisfying plate of deliciousness!
What you’ll need
Gather these essential ingredients to recreate this delightful dish:
- 5 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted Butter
- 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pasta of your choice (for serving)
Feel free to substitute with low-fat cream or gluten-free pasta if you’re looking for dietary adjustments!
Step-by-step instructions
- Start by seasoning your chicken bites with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika for added flavor.
- Heat the olive oil and two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until sizzling.
- Add the seasoned chicken bites, sautéing them until they are golden and fully cooked, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it aside for the moment.
- In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant — about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with the remaining butter until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss the cooked chicken back into the skillet, ensuring each bite is coated in that irresistible sauce.
- Serve your creation over the pasta of your choice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an inviting touch.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving this dish, you really can let your creativity shine. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan on top makes for a delightful presentation. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. Crusty garlic bread is also a perfect accompaniment to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce!
Storage and reheating tips
Have leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If you want to save it for later, consider freezing individual portions—just ensure they’re stored in freezer-safe containers. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing for best results!
Pro chef tips
To elevate this dish further, consider marinating your chicken bites for an hour or so before cooking. You can use lemon juice and additional herbs for a burst of flavor. Also, be mindful not to overcook the garlic in the skillet, as it can turn bitter. And if you want a little extra texture, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach into your creamy sauce for added nutrition!
Creative twists
There are endless twists you can make to this recipe. Want to kick it up a notch? Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. For a lighter option, swap the heavy cream for a combination of chicken broth and a splash of milk. You could also incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean flair.
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time usually takes about 10 minutes, while the cooking time is around 20 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick meal!
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free option like coconut cream if you want to lighten it up or cater to dietary needs.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set without compromising the dish’s amazing flavors!
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s not just about food; it’s about making memories and savoring every bite!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until sizzling.
- Add the seasoned chicken bites and sauté until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and remaining butter until the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it thoroughly with the sauce.
- Serve over pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
