This delicious Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta combines tender, golden chicken bites with a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant dish!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (cavatappi, penne, or your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
The combination of tender chicken, creamy pasta, and savory garlic butter sauce makes this dish a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken with cornstarch or flour to coat evenly, which helps create a crispy outer layer when cooked.
2. Cook the Chicken Bites:
- Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Keep warm.
3. Cook the Pasta:
- In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to coat thoroughly.
6. Serve:
- Top the pasta with the garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Helpful Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites and Pasta
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture to the sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches, if needed, will ensure each piece is browned and cooked evenly.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a perfect comfort meal with rich, creamy flavors and tender bites of chicken. It’s easy to make and full of flavor, ideal for a satisfying and hearty dinner.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 620 kcal per serving
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
- Yes, but the sauce may be slightly thinner. For extra creaminess, use heavy cream if available.
2. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes would be great additions.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, any pasta that holds sauce well, such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni, works perfectly.
4. How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the chicken bites.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is an irresistible meal that combines rich, savory flavors and creamy textures. Easy to make in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for any night of the week and guaranteed to become a new favorite. Enjoy each delicious bite!