This dish features tender chicken bites cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce teamed up with tasty Parmesan pasta. It’s a comforting meal that’s full of flavor!
Who doesn’t love a creamy sauce that makes every bite feel special? I enjoy pairing it with a side salad for a fresh crunch. You’ll be going back for seconds, trust me! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this dish. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner. If you’re looking for a meatless option, consider substituting with firm tofu or chickpeas!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but use less since it’s stronger. I always prefer fresh for the taste it brings.
Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti are excellent choices. You can swap with gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter version!
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes the sauce rich, you could use half-and-half for a lighter touch or make it dairy-free with coconut cream.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting into your sauce. If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Garlic Butter Sauce Is Perfectly Creamy?
The secret to a creamy garlic butter sauce is in the cooking process. After you sauté the garlic, let the heavy cream simmer gently to thicken up:
- Keep the heat on medium to avoid burning the garlic. Stir frequently.
- Simmer the cream for just a few minutes, allowing it to thicken. If it’s too thick, you can always add a splash of pasta water to adjust the consistency!
- Make sure to stir in the Parmesan cheese slowly until it fully melts. This will give you a smooth and creamy sauce.
This process will make your sauce not only delicious but beautifully rich and velvety. Enjoy creating this comforting dish!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, and set it aside while you prepare the chicken.
2. Searing the Chicken Bites:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts and combines with the sauce into a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Next, return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Finishing the Dish:
In a separate large bowl or serving dish, toss the drained pasta with a little butter or a few spoonfuls of the reserved sauce from the skillet to keep it from sticking. Finally, serve the creamy garlic buttery chicken bites over or alongside the Parmesan pasta.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If desired, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor to the dish. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and cook them the same way as you would with chicken breasts.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream to maintain a creamy texture.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to bring back the creaminess!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or seitan for added protein. For a simpler option, use more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to create a delicious vegetarian meal!
