Oh my goodness, if you love garlic and butter as much as I do, you’re going to go absolutely wild for these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta! This dish is a total game-changer in my kitchen—it’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Picture perfectly sautéed chicken bites coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, tossed with al dente pasta and showered in creamy Parmesan cheese. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug on a plate! Whether I’m whipping this up for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds, maybe even thirds!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or whatever you love!)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is simple yet oh-so-delicious, and I can’t wait for you to dive into it. We’ll start with the pasta, then move to those tasty chicken bites, and finally, we’ll bring everything together for a mouthwatering meal!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Seriously, don’t skip the salt; it makes a world of difference! Once it’s bubbling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want it to have a slight bite to it, so keep an eye on it! When it’s done, drain the pasta and toss it with a splash of olive oil to keep it from sticking. Set it aside while you work on the chicken.
Making the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
Now, grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. As it starts to foam, add in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh, it smells heavenly! Next, toss in the diced chicken, season it generously with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. You want those bites to be juicy and flavorful, so don’t rush this step!
Combining Ingredients
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet with the chicken and pour in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure the pasta is coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce and cheesy goodness. If it looks a bit dry, feel free to splash in a bit of pasta water to loosen it up. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color, and you’re ready to serve this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously rich garlic butter flavor that will have everyone asking for more.
- Juicy chicken bites paired with creamy, cheesy pasta—what’s not to love?
- Versatile recipe; you can use your favorite pasta and adjust flavors to your liking.
- Healthy ingredients keep it light without sacrificing taste.
- Great for meal prep—enjoy it throughout the week or impress guests at dinner!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this recipe! First, don’t rush the chicken cooking process; it really benefits from that golden-brown sear for maximum flavor. If you want an extra punch of garlic, feel free to add a bit more—it’s all about your taste! Also, when mixing the pasta and chicken, make sure to stir gently to keep the chicken bites intact. And here’s a little secret: if you save a cup of pasta water before draining, it can help create a creamier sauce. Lastly, don’t skip the fresh parsley—it’s more than just a garnish; it brightens up the dish beautifully!
Variations
The beauty of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta is its flexibility! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not switch up the herbs? Fresh basil or thyme can add a lovely twist. You could also try adding some red pepper flakes for a hint of spice—yum! If you want to lighten things up, consider using zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta instead. Want to add some veggies? Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition. Seriously, don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the estimated nutritional values for each serving of these Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta. Keep in mind that these figures can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
This dish is a great balance of protein and carbs, making it a hearty yet healthy choice for dinner!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use pre-cooked chicken to save time!
What type of pasta works best?
Honestly, any pasta you love will work! I often use spaghetti or penne, but feel free to get creative with your favorites. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic is a great option. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and pasta in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What should I serve with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites?
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
For more delicious recipes, check out Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps or Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini.
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta Bliss
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites served with Parmesan Pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta you prefer.
- Adjust garlic amount based on your taste.
- Serve hot for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites, Parmesan Pasta, Chicken Recipe