Description
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, combined with creamy Parmesan pasta. This recipe offers a perfect balance of savory garlic, mild heat from optional red pepper flakes, and a luscious cream sauce, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both quick and indulgent.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (e.g., fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken bites and cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to retain moisture.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to build the flavor base.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken the sauce.
- Melt Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce for coating.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce for harmonious flavors.
- Finish with Butter: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and stir gently until melted and combined to add a silky finish to the dish.
- Adjust and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For a bit of spice, keep the red pepper flakes; omit for a milder version.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like fettuccine or penne.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
