These garlic butter chicken bites are juicy and full of flavor, paired perfectly with creamy parmesan pasta. It’s comfort food that feels fancy without the fuss!
Honestly, who can resist that buttery goodness? I love serving this dish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top. Because why not add more cheese, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken thighs can be a great alternative—just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take longer to cook.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you better control over saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or a vegan butter substitute to achieve a similar richness in flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for its bold flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, but use less (about 1/8 teaspoon per clove) as it’s more concentrated.
Pasta: Fettuccine or linguine are fantastic choices, but you can switch to gluten-free pasta or whole grain pasta if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times for best results!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a lovely creaminess. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a solid substitute, but note that it’s saltier, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.
How Do You Achieve Juicy Chicken Bites?
Cooking chicken just right is key to keeping it juicy. Start by patting the chicken dry to get a good sear. Here’s how to make it perfect:
- Use medium-high heat to allow for a golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
- Let the chicken sit undisturbed for 4-5 minutes before flipping. This helps with browning.
- Check for doneness by cutting a piece—if the juices run clear and it’s no longer pink inside, it’s ready!
Don’t forget to coat the chicken in the garlic butter sauce after cooking; it enhances flavor and keeps the chicken moist!
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything to delicious perfection. It’s quick, tasty, and sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your fettuccine or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to save about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken Bites:
While the pasta cooks, take your chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get nice and crispy when you cook them. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or oregano for extra flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook without stirring for about 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Flip the pieces over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
4. Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant—don’t let it brown, as that will change the flavor.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter to coat all the pieces evenly. Let it cook together for another minute so the chicken absorbs that delicious flavor. Then, remove the skillet from heat.
6. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat again. Add more minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant before pouring in the heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Add Parmesan:
Once the cream is simmering, gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg for a hint of warmth.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, stirring gently to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect creamy consistency.
9. Serve:
Finally, plate up the creamy Parmesan pasta and top it generously with those gorgeous garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and add extra Parmesan shavings on top if you really love cheese.
10. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor each bite of your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. It’s a deliciously comforting dish the whole family will love! 🍽️
FAQ for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The safest way is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or you can use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it. For a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk or a cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken bites and the creamy sauce ahead of time. Simply store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stove over low heat and combine with freshly cooked pasta, adding a splash of pasta water to refresh the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store residual pasta and chicken together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or cream to help bring back the creamy texture before serving.
