Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish where tender chicken pieces are sautéed in garlic butter and combined with a rich, creamy parmesan sauce. Paired with your choice of long pasta, this meal is perfect for a quick yet indulgent weeknight dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 ounces long pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process and cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Chicken Bites: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and sear until golden brown on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Add More Butter and Garlic: Stir in the remaining butter and additional minced garlic; let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and gradually add the grated parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for a smoother and more flavorful sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness but is optional.
