Description
There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta. I still remember those cozy evenings at home, where the aroma of garlic wafted through the air like a warm hug, signaling that dinner was almost ready. It was a family favorite, combining juicy chicken bites with a luscious, creamy sauce that even the pickiest eaters couldn’t resist.
Ingredients
-
1 ½ pounds chicken breasts, cubed
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
3 tablespoons butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
8 ounces pasta (any type)
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, seasoning it with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Infuse the Garlic: Lower the heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta & Chicken: Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, giving it a gentle stir to coat the pasta. Then, add the garlic butter chicken bites back into the skillet, combining everything well.
- Garnish & Serve: Finish by garnishing your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Perfect Chicken Bites: Ensure even cooking by cutting chicken breasts into uniform sizes; this will prevent some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
- Fresh Garlic Matters: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor; pre-minced garlic can lose its robust taste and aroma, affecting your sauce.
- Pasta Perfection: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining; this starchy water can help adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
- Sauce Thickness: If your creamy sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of the reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Ending Touches: Garnish generously with fresh parsley just before serving, as this not only enhances the look but adds a burst of freshness to your Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, Creamy Parmesan Pasta, family-friendly meal