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Tender Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

garlic butter chicken bites - featured image
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A quick and easy dinner recipe featuring tender garlic butter chicken bites paired with a luscious, creamy parmesan pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish balances rich flavors with simple prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
  2. Pat chicken bites dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once butter foams, add chicken bites in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden crust.
  4. Flip chicken pieces and add minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook for another 3-4 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  6. Lower heat and stir in 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Add cooked pasta and chicken bites back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly with the creamy parmesan sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep heat moderate when melting butter and cooking garlic to avoid bitterness. Do not overcook chicken to keep it tender. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and melt slowly to avoid grainy sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. For dairy-free, substitute butter, cream, and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives. For low-carb, swap pasta with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, creamy parmesan pasta, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/tender-garlic-butter-chicken-bites-recipe-with-creamy-parmesan-pasta-easy-dinner-ideas/