There’s something truly comforting about a warm plate of garlic butter chicken bites served over creamy parmesan pasta. It’s one of those dishes that just wraps you in a cozy hug, doesn’t it? I remember the first time I made this for my family; the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled the kitchen, and I could hardly wait to dig in. As we gathered around the table, laughter mingled with the delicious scent wafting through the air, and I knew I had created a meal to remember. This recipe is not only easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, but it also brings a sense of togetherness, as everyone enjoys the rich flavors and creamy textures. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again! Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a small gathering with friends, garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is sure to impress. So, let’s get cooking and bring a little warmth to your dinner table!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting dish. I like to keep my ingredient lists simple, so you won’t feel overwhelmed. Trust me, it’s all about ease and flavor! If you have any dietary needs, I’ve also included some substitution ideas to make this recipe work for you.

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta (your choice; I often use fettuccine or penne)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Substitution Ideas:

• If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can swap the chicken for tofu or even some sautéed mushrooms for a hearty touch.
• Whole wheat pasta is a lovely alternative if you want to add a bit more fiber to your meal.
• For a lighter dish, feel free to replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a plant-based cream if you’re dairy-free.

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Now, let’s get into the fun part—making this delicious dish! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step, and I promise it’s easier than it sounds. The key here is to take your time and enjoy the process. Ready? Let’s do this!

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, let’s cook that pasta. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. You’ll want to add a generous pinch of salt to the water; this is crucial because it enhances the pasta’s flavor. Once the water is boiling, toss in your pasta of choice. I usually go with fettuccine or penne, but you can use whatever you like! Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Just a little tip: make sure not to rinse the pasta, as you want to keep that lovely starch that helps the sauce cling to it!

Preparing the Chicken

Next up, let’s get that chicken sizzling! In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. As it melts, you’ll start to smell that delightful buttery aroma—oh, it’s heavenly! Once the butter is all melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn; nobody wants bitter garlic! Now, add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You can sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper at this point to season. Remember, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety!

Making the Creamy Sauce

Now for the magic moment! Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the dish starts to come together beautifully. Stir occasionally, and soon you’ll see it thickening up just a bit. Once it’s simmering, it’s time to add in the grated parmesan cheese. Stir it in slowly until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up a bit. You want it luscious and velvety!

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce and chicken. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that rich, cheesy goodness. This is where the flavors really meld together, creating that comforting harmony we all love.

Final Touches

Before serving, don’t forget to garnish with some fresh parsley! It adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve it up warm, and watch everyone’s faces light up as they take that first bite. Trust me, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

It’s important to remember that nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The numbers I’m sharing here are estimates based on the recipe as written. If you’re keeping an eye on your dietary needs, you might want to adjust the ingredients accordingly. Here’s a rough breakdown for one serving of garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta:

• Calories: 600
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 600mg

As you can see, this dish is quite hearty and satisfying! Just keep in mind that you can make it lighter or adjust it to fit your dietary preferences with those handy substitutions we talked about earlier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Comforting and flavorful, it warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds.
• Suitable for family dinners; everyone will want seconds!
• Options for dietary adjustments make it versatile for various preferences.

Tips for Success

To make sure your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips that I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, these will help you create a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying!

• Cook Chicken in Batches: If you’re using a large skillet and have a lot of chicken, don’t crowd the pan. It’s better to cook in batches to ensure even cooking and that lovely golden color. You want those chicken bites to sear nicely!
• Check for Doneness: For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat—nothing beats peace of mind while you enjoy your meal!
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you find the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. It not only helps thin it out but also adds some starch that’ll help the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
• Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste your sauce as you’re cooking! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your personal preference. This is your dish, after all, and you want it to be just right!
• Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it really brightens up the dish! Feel free to sprinkle on extra just before serving for that fresh, vibrant touch.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

When it comes to cooking, I love having options! This recipe for garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta is super flexible, so you can easily make it suit your needs or preferences. Here are some helpful notes about the ingredients and tasty substitutions you can try:

• Chicken Breast: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can swap the chicken for tofu! Just press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and sauté it in the same way. It will soak up all that delicious garlic butter flavor.
• Pasta: Use any pasta you love! While I often go for fettuccine or penne, you could also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier choice. It adds a nice nutty flavor and a bit more fiber to your dish. Gluten-free pasta is another great option if you need to avoid gluten.
• Heavy Cream: For a lighter version of this dish, feel free to replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. Almond or coconut cream can work well if you’re aiming for a dairy-free option, just be aware that the flavor will change slightly, but still delicious!
• Parmesan Cheese: If you’re not a fan of parmesan or want to keep it dairy-free, try nutritional yeast! It gives a cheesy flavor and is a great addition for those looking for a vegan twist. If you have other hard cheeses on hand, like pecorino or asiago, those can also be lovely substitutes.
• Butter: You can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative instead of regular butter if you’re following a dairy-free diet. Just keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly, but it will still be tasty!

These substitutions make the recipe not only versatile but also accommodating for different palates and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to mix and match based on what you have in your kitchen or what you enjoy most. Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta, let’s talk about some tasty sides that will complement your main dish beautifully. A well-rounded meal makes everything more enjoyable, don’t you think?

First up, a simple green salad is always a winner! You can toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, then drizzle with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad really balances out the richness of the creamy pasta. If you want to add a little extra, some sliced avocado or toasted nuts can elevate the flavors even more!

If you’re in the mood for something warm, consider a side of roasted vegetables. Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers tossed in olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, then roasted until tender, make for a colorful and nutritious addition to your plate. The slight sweetness of the roasted veggies pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and pasta.

And for something a little special, garlic bread or a warm baguette can be a lovely accompaniment too! Just think about all that creamy sauce you’ll want to soak up. Yum! Whatever you choose, these sides will help create a comforting and complete meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!

For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Pasta Recipes and Comforting Pasta Recipes for Family Gatherings.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites With Creamy Parmesan Pasta Delight

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A comforting dish of garlic butter chicken bites served with creamy parmesan pasta.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta (your choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Combine pasta with the sauce and chicken, mixing well.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier choice.
• For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: garlic butter chicken bites, creamy parmesan pasta recipe