Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta

This recipe combines juicy, garlic-infused chicken bites with a rich, creamy Parmesan pasta for a comforting yet sophisticated dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy date night at home, offering a delicious balance of flavors and textures.

Why This Recipe is Irresistible

• Bold flavors: The chicken is seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection with garlic butter, creating a deeply flavorful bite.
• Rich and creamy pasta: The Parmesan cream sauce is luscious, coating each strand of pasta beautifully.
• Quick and versatile: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings and can be customized to your preferences.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Parmesan Pasta:

• 8 ounces fettuccine or your pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken Bites

1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and stir in minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then return the chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic butter. Remove from heat and keep warm.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Create the sauce base: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
3. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
4. Season to taste: Stir in red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.

4. Combine and Serve

1. Mix pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the Parmesan sauce until evenly coated.
2. Plate the dish: Serve the creamy Parmesan pasta topped with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with fresh parsley.

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Variations to Try

• Add vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use a different protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a new twist.
• Lighter version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less butter.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.

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FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time and toss the pre-cooked chicken in garlic butter to enhance the flavor.

2. What’s the best pasta to use for this dish?

Fettuccine or linguine works best, but penne or rigatoni can also hold the sauce well.

3. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for a smoother, more flavorful sauce, as pre-grated cheese may not melt as well.

4. How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free.

5. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free cream alternative.

6. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese for a smooth consistency.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended as cream-based sauces may separate when thawed.

8. How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and appear white and opaque.

9. What can I serve alongside this dish?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables pair well to balance the richness of the pasta.

10. Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce separately. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delightful meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table with minimal effort. Its rich, comforting taste and quick preparation make it a family favorite you’ll return to again and again. Whether for a special occasion or a quick weekday dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

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