Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender, savory chicken pieces with a rich, creamy pasta sauce. The garlic butter chicken bites are cooked to perfection, and they’re complemented by the smooth, flavorful parmesan sauce that coats every strand of pasta. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to impress at a special meal.
The History of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
While chicken and pasta have been staples in many global cuisines for centuries, the combination of garlic butter and creamy parmesan pasta has a more modern American appeal. Garlic butter has been used in European cooking for centuries, particularly in Italian and French cuisines, often paired with pasta, seafood, or bread. The creamy parmesan sauce is a quintessential part of Italian-American cuisine, particularly in dishes like Alfredo.
This recipe marries two beloved flavors—garlic butter chicken and creamy parmesan pasta—into one dish, popularized through social media and home cooking trends as a simple yet flavorful meal. Its combination of bold garlic and rich creaminess has made it a favorite among comfort food lovers.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated is preferred)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water (for sauce consistency)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra parmesan cheese, grated
Step-by-Step Recipe:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
4. Combine the Chicken and Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy parmesan sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and stir until everything is combined.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese will melt much better than pre-grated, ensuring a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Cook the Chicken in Batches: To ensure the chicken gets perfectly golden and crispy, avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can always add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water or a bit more cream to loosen it up.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta should be cooked al dente to maintain its texture. It will continue to cook slightly once added to the sauce.
- Add Veggies: You can easily add vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. You can also use chicken breast instead of thighs to reduce the fat content.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.
- Use Other Proteins: You can swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even sausage to create different variations of this dish.
- Extra Garlic Flavor: For garlic lovers, consider adding roasted garlic to the sauce or a few extra minced garlic cloves for extra flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
This dish is indulgent, rich in flavor, and provides a good amount of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the butter and cream. However, it’s also higher in calories and fat, especially with the heavy cream. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Calories: One serving of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta typically contains around 500-700 calories, depending on portion size and ingredient variations.
- Protein: The chicken provides a good source of protein, approximately 30-40 grams per serving.
- Fat: The dish is rich in fat, primarily from the butter and cream, contributing around 30-40 grams of fat per serving. You can reduce the fat content by substituting with lighter cream or butter alternatives.
- Carbohydrates: The pasta adds around 30-40 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which is typical for most pasta-based dishes.
Healthier Alternatives:
- Low-Carb Option: You can use zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash instead of regular pasta for a lower-carb version.
- Lower-Calorie Version: Use olive oil and a lighter cream option like coconut milk or a 2% milk and flour mixture for a healthier sauce.
- Vegetable Additions: Add more vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to increase the fiber content and add more nutrients.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A1: While it’s best served fresh, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time, and then reheat the dish in a pan with a splash of cream to restore its creamy texture.
Q2: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken? A2: Yes! This recipe works great with shrimp, turkey, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time according to the protein you’re using.
Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta? A3: Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. Choose your favorite!
Q4: How can I make this dish spicier? A4: Add extra red pepper flakes to the sauce or a small drizzle of hot sauce to give the dish more heat.
Q5: How do I store leftovers? A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces— with Tasty Besty Food 1M.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra garlic butter (optional for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken Bites: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan pasta and top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Drizzle with extra garlic butter if desired and garnish with fresh parsley