Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta

ite vegetables, adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste, or even swapping in a different type of pasta.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to save a little pasta water to add to the sauce later if needed for a smoother texture.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you prefer (like thyme or rosemary).

Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally to ensure they’re cooked through and golden brown on all sides. When the chicken is nearly done, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and infuse the butter. Remove the skillet from heat and set the chicken aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, velvety texture.

Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, and if the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Gently add the garlic butter chicken bites on top and mix everything together. Let the pasta and chicken heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the chicken is fully incorporated into the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta and chicken to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Why This Dish is a Winner:

• Rich, Buttery Flavor: The garlic butter chicken bites bring a savory richness to the table, while the creamy Parmesan sauce envelops the pasta in a smooth, velvety coat. Together, they create a perfect harmony of flavor.
• Comforting & Satisfying: This dish is truly comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and full of deliciously seasoned chicken. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this dish a success. Just some basic kitchen staples come together to create an extraordinary flavor experience.

Tips for Making the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• Customize the Pasta: If you prefer a different type of pasta, feel free to swap it out. Long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti work beautifully, but penne or rigatoni are great choices too!
• Add Veggies: To make this dish even more hearty and colorful, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables. You can even toss in some peas or broccoli for extra texture.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a little heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice will brighten up the flavors.
• Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! If you have any leftover chicken or pasta, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Conclusion:

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, indulgent, and full of flavor. The tender chicken bites are perfectly seasoned and coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, while the pasta is bathed in a creamy, cheesy Parmesan sauce that will have you going back for seconds. This recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner, and it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time. Try it out and enjoy the deliciousness that’s sure to become a go-to meal in your kitchen!