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#### **Instructions:**
**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to use in the sauce if needed. Set the pasta aside.
**Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites**
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce**
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the cream. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
**Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce**
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy parmesan sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is fully coated, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Once the pasta is coated in the sauce, return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together.
**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
Sprinkle the pasta and chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat (if desired).
### **Tips for Making the Best Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta**
1. **Use Fresh Garlic**: Fresh garlic will provide the best flavor for both the chicken and the creamy pasta sauce. Avoid using garlic powder, as it lacks the aromatic richness that fresh garlic imparts.
2. **Don’t Overcook the Chicken**: Overcooking chicken can result in dry, tough bites. Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, but don’t leave it in the pan too long.
3. **Reserve Pasta Water**: Always save a bit of pasta water before draining the pasta. It’s starchy and can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce, making it creamier and helping the sauce adhere to the pasta better.
4. **Grate Fresh Parmesan**: For the best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, which can affect the texture of the sauce.
5. **Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste**: If you like a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the creamy sauce. For a more savory depth, consider adding a little bit of white wine or lemon zest.
6. **Add Vegetables**: To enhance the dish, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy sauce. This will add color, texture, and additional flavor to the dish.
### **Creative Variations of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta**
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are several variations that can cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to customize this dish:
1. **Chicken and Broccoli**: Add some steamed broccoli florets to the pasta for extra veggies and a pop of color. The broccoli pairs wonderfully with the creamy parmesan sauce.
2. **Lemon Garlic Chicken**: For a lighter, more refreshing twist, add the zest and juice of a lemon to the garlic butter chicken bites. The citrusy brightness will complement the richness of the creamy pasta.
3. **Mushroom Parmesan**: Add sautéed
mushrooms to the creamy sauce for a deeper, earthy flavor that pairs well with both the garlic butter chicken and the pasta.
4. **Shrimp Option**: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation. Shrimp cooks quickly and complements the creamy parmesan sauce beautifully.
5. **Gluten-Free Pasta**: If you follow a gluten-free diet, swap the pasta with a gluten-free version. There are many delicious gluten-free pasta options available that pair well with creamy sauces.
### **Conclusion**
**Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta** is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and creamy parmesan pasta is irresistible. With simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special family gatherings.
The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. It can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences while still delivering that indulgent, flavorful experience. Whether you’re looking for a classic comfort dish or a way to impress your guests, this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Next time you crave a hearty, delicious meal that combines rich, savory flavors, reach for this recipe and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness in every bite.
