– **Title**: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 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 (225g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken bites in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
7. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy.
8. Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, stirring to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
9. Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and creamy sauce until well coated.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: You want to use boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using turkey breast instead. Or, for a vegetarian twist, substitute with tofu or chickpeas—just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best as it allows you to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, opt for vegan butter or even olive oil for cooking the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds wonderful flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use minced garlic from a jar. Just remember, 1 teaspoon of jarred garlic equals about one clove.
Pasta: While I used spaghetti, any pasta shape will work well. Try penne or fusilli if you want something different, or switch it out for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta based on your needs.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives you the best taste. If you don’t have it, pecorino romano works in a pinch, or nutritional yeast can be a great vegan option, offering a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Can I Make Sure My Garlic Doesn’t Burn?
Burning garlic is a common kitchen struggle! When sautéing, keep an eye on the heat. Use medium heat and watch the garlic closely. Follow these steps:
- First, melt your butter and add minced garlic after the butter is hot, not smoking.
- Sauté for just about 1 minute; you’ll know it’s ready when it smells fragrant. If it turns brown, it’s burning!
- If it does burn, you might need to start over with fresh garlic to avoid a bitter taste.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to make from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing ingredients and cooking the chicken, and about 20 minutes cooking the pasta and making the creamy sauce. Perfect for a busy night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti or pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to reserve a little pasta water in case you need it later!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Once melted, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are fully cooked and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet that you cooked the chicken, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
4. Add Cream and Parmesan:
Once the garlic is fragrant, lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir it together with the garlic. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer, and then add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and delicious.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring in the pasta! Toss the cooked spaghetti into the creamy sauce, mixing it well until all the pasta is coated. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Return Chicken to Skillet:
Add the cooked chicken bites back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Gently stir to combine everything together, making sure the chicken is heated through.
7. Serve:
Get ready to enjoy your meal! Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta with the chicken bites on top. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until fully thawed. After thawing, pat it dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure a good sear.
What Pasta Can I Substitute If I Don’t Have Spaghetti?
Feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand! Penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta work great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions to ensure it’s cooked al dente.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you want to add more heat, consider increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper into the garlic butter sauce. Just adjust to your taste preference!
