As the sun set, I was in the kitchen thinking about dinner. It was a busy weeknight and I wanted something tasty but quick. Then, I remembered garlic butter chicken bites.
They were tender, rich, and creamy. This mix had always made my taste buds happy. I wanted to make it again.
So, I decided to make something comforting. I used a pound of chicken and simple ingredients. I mixed garlic butter chicken with creamy Parmesan pasta.
This dish was perfect for a weeknight. It was easy to make and delicious. It became my favorite, combining elegance with ease.
Introduction to Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
I’m excited to share my love for homemade chicken bites. They’re even better with a tasty garlic butter recipe. This dish is great for families and busy people who want a quick, tasty meal.
It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. So, you can enjoy a delicious chicken and pasta dish in just 35 minutes.
Tender chicken breast, cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, adds warmth to any meal. The mix of pasta and chicken is not only filling but also tasty. This easy recipe always wins over even the pickiest eaters.
With simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and lemon, you’ll make a dish that’s both satisfying and enjoyable. Garlic butter chicken bites are a hit with families, perfect for any time.
What Makes This Dish Special
This chicken pasta recipe is a mix of Italian and American tastes. It has crispy garlic butter chicken and creamy garlic parmesan sauce. This makes every bite rich and full of flavor.
It’s easy to make and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s great for any day, whether it’s busy or special.
The recipe is simple but amazing. The creamy sauce makes the pasta taste even better. Fresh garlic adds flavor and health benefits.
It’s quick to prepare, taking only 10 minutes. Cooking it takes 20 minutes. This dish is light but full of good taste.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
To make the best chicken bites, you need some key ingredients. This dish is great with pasta for a simple meal. Here’s what you need for the chicken and the creamy Parmesan pasta.
For the Chicken Bites
- 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter (2 tbsp for cooking, 1 tbsp for sauce)
- 4 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz of pasta, such as fettuccine
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of butter
This creamy pasta is rich and tasty, perfect with the chicken bites. It’s quick to make, ready in about 30 minutes. It serves four and keeps well for two days. It’s great for a busy day with lots of flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Minced garlic | 6 cloves total (4 for chicken, 2 for sauce) |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt & pepper | to taste |
| Pasta (fettuccine) | 12 oz |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this garlic butter chicken pasta dish is easy and quick. It takes less than 30 minutes to make a delicious meal. I’ll show you how to prepare the pasta and make the butter garlic chicken. This dish will be a favorite in my home.
Preparing the Pasta
First, I boil a large pot of salted water. Then, I add 8 ounces of pasta, like fettuccine or penne. I cook it until it’s al dente, which takes 8-12 minutes.
After draining the pasta, I set it aside. This makes sure it’s ready to soak up the sauce later.
Making the Garlic Butter Chicken
In a big skillet, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. I add 1 pound of diced chicken, seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I cook it for 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown.
Then, I lower the heat and add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of butter. I stir until it smells great. The chicken gets coated with the garlic butter, making it taste amazing.
To make it richer, I add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. I mix it until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. This makes the pasta and sauce stick together perfectly.
If I want more flavor, I can add chicken broth or red pepper flakes. When it’s all mixed, I serve it with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast or Thighs (diced) | 1 lb |
| Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne) | 8 oz |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 6 cloves |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup |
| Chicken Broth | ½ cup |
| Optional: Red Pepper Flakes | To taste |
| Fresh Herbs (for garnish) | To taste |
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
For a tasty chicken and pasta dish, follow these tips. Let your chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This makes it cook evenly and stay juicy.
Using top-notch ingredients is key. Fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese make your dish taste amazing. They add a rich, creamy flavor.
Drizzle extra garlic butter on top before serving. It adds a yummy flavor. Start by measuring all your ingredients before cooking. This makes cooking easier and more fun.
- Use 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for searing the chicken, giving it richness and a golden crust.
- Incorporate spices wisely; a pinch of paprika and red pepper flakes can add warmth and gentle heat.
- Consider cooking chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
- Don’t forget to salt your pasta water well, as this will help the pasta absorb flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken (boneless, skinless) | 1 lb |
| Butter (for chicken) | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Pasta (spaghetti or favorite type) | 8 oz |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh Spinach | 2 handfuls |
| Cooking Time (Total) | 40 minutes |
Follow these tips for a delicious chicken and pasta dish. Your family will love it. Enjoy making and eating it!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Parmesan Pasta
I like to add fresh parsley on top of my garlic butter chicken bites. It makes the dish look nice and adds freshness. Serving it with garlic bread or a green salad makes the meal complete. It’s a tasty way to enjoy your meal.
For drinks, a light wine or sparkling water is best. They make the meal feel special. Each sip between bites is a treat. It makes any meal feel like a celebration.
| Serving Suggestion | Description |
|---|---|
| Garnish | Freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness |
| Side Dish | Crusty garlic bread to complement the creamy sauce |
| Salad | Simple green salad to add a refreshing crunch |
| Beverage | Light wine or sparkling water to cleanse the palate |
Variations and Modifications
I like to try new things with my flavorful chicken pasta recipe. I might use turkey instead of chicken or add roasted veggies for a veggie version. Adding red pepper flakes makes it spicy for those who like it hot.
Trying different pasta types can also make the dish better. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta keeps it creamy and fits special diets. It lets me make the dish my own, so I can enjoy it in new ways.
| Variation | Description | Suggested Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Substitution | Replace chicken with turkey for a leaner option. | Similar to chicken |
| Vegetarian Option | Use roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. | Approx. 30 minutes |
| Spicy Garlic Butter | Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. | No change |
| Pasta Types | Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. | 8 minutes for pasta |
With a few tweaks, I can make the classic creamy parmesan garlic chicken my own. Each change keeps the dish’s core flavor but offers a new twist.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is my favorite quick dinner. It’s great for any time, like a cozy night or a big party. The mix of tender chicken and creamy pasta is perfect for all ages.
This dish is also super flexible. I can change it up to fit different tastes. It’s perfect for groups because it can be made many ways.
Plus, it’s quick to make. Prep takes 15 minutes, and cooking is another 10. It’s a top pick in my kitchen for any event. Every bite is a joy, making it a hit with everyone.