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Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta - Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Bites:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 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

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain it and set it aside. Don’t forget to save about 1/4 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the chicken bites with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Add the Garlic Butter
Once the chicken is almost done, reduce the heat to low and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well, allowing the butter to melt and the garlic to release its aroma. Sauté for about 2 more minutes until the chicken is fully coated in the garlic butter.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Serve the pasta topped with the garlic butter chicken bites and garnish with fresh parsley. If you like, drizzle a little extra garlic butter over the top for an extra boost of flavor.

Notes

  • Butter Browning Tip: If you want to add even more depth to the flavor, let the butter brown slightly before adding the garlic when cooking the chicken. It brings out a nutty flavor that makes the dish even more indulgent.
  • Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken bites just until they are done, as overcooked chicken can become dry. The garlic butter sauce will help keep them moist and tender.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 720
  • Sodium: 640
  • Protein: 42