Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta! This dish is pure comfort food magic that never fails to impress. I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy dinner party with friends, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken, rich garlic butter, and velvety parmesan sauce over perfectly cooked fettuccine is just irresistible! Every bite is like a warm hug, and trust me, it’s one of those meals where you find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!). It’s simple yet elegant, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. You’re going to love the way the flavors meld together in this delightful meal!
Ingredients List
To make these delightful garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided for cooking
- 4 cloves garlic, minced for that aromatic flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream, to create a luscious sauce
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, for a cheesy, creamy finish
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta, the perfect vehicle for the sauce
- Salt to taste, to enhance the flavors
- Black pepper to taste, for a hint of spice
- Parsley, chopped for garnish, adding a fresh touch
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Let’s dive into the delicious process of creating these garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta! It’s easier than you might think, and you’re going to love how everything comes together.
Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The key here is to salt the water generously so your pasta absorbs flavor as it cooks. Add the 8 oz of fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it! This helps the sauce cling beautifully later on.
Preparing the Chicken
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You want it juicy and succulent, so keep an eye on it!
Making the Creamy Sauce
Now, let’s make that luscious sauce! To the same skillet with the chicken, add the 4 cloves of minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Oh, the aroma is divine!
Combining Ingredients
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked fettuccine directly into the skillet, tossing it in that creamy garlic sauce until each strand is beautifully coated. If the sauce seems a bit thick, feel free to add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Give it a taste, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, you’re ready to serve this delightful dish!
Tips for Success
To ensure your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my best tips! First, make sure your chicken is diced evenly; this helps it cook through consistently and remain juicy. Don’t rush the browning process—give it that golden color, which enhances flavor. For the sauce, keep the heat on medium-low once you add the cream; you want it to simmer gently to prevent curdling. And remember, freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully compared to pre-grated cheese, giving you that creamy texture you crave. Lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning at the end—it’s key to a delicious dish!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta, there are plenty of delicious alternatives! For a seafood twist, try substituting the chicken with shrimp; just sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and tender, and follow the same steps for the sauce. You can also switch up the pasta by using whole wheat fettuccine for a healthier option that still offers great flavor and texture. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and extra nutrients. Each variation lets you explore new flavor combinations while keeping that comforting essence we all love!
Nutritional Information
For each serving of these garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta, you can expect approximately 600 calories. Here’s a quick breakdown: 40g of fat (with 20g saturated fat), 30g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. There’s also about 2g of sugar and 800mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your meal knowing it’s both delicious and satisfying!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread for that extra buttery goodness. A fresh, crisp Caesar salad adds a delightful crunch and balances the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze over roasted vegetables can bring a pop of flavor and color to your plate. Enjoy your meal with a glass of chilled white wine for a truly indulgent experience!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta? I’ve got you covered!
Can I store leftovers? Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream if it thickens up.
What can I substitute for parmesan cheese? If you don’t have parmesan, try pecorino romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. They’ll still give you that cheesy flavor!
Can I use a different type of pasta? Sure! Feel free to swap in penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and combine them with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Garlic butter chicken bites served with creamy parmesan pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Finish with remaining butter and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken bites, creamy parmesan pasta, chicken recipe, pasta recipe
